Towards the end of pregnancy, your Midwife or Obstetrician may be offer or advise an induction of labour/IOL. There are various reasons why you might be offered this procedure and before refusing or accepting it is important to use the B.R.A.I.N.S and H.E.AR.T method to help you make your decision.
What are inductions?
This means to bring forward your labour through physical or medical methods.
Methods
You may be offered a prostaglandin "tampon" or gel that is inserted into the vagina and left for 12-24 hours to soften the cervix which is a prerequisite for cervical dilation, depending on its efficacy, a second dose may also be offered.
The Foley Ballon Catheter
Staying mobile and upright increases the efficacy of the Foley balloon, expect womb contractions to increase in regularity, it will stay in place for up to 12-24 hours or until the balloon drops down from the cervix. Hopefully labour will be established at this point and progress as it would do naturally.
Breaking The Waters
Known clinically as artificial rupture of membranes/ARM. This physically brings baby's head closer to the cervix and cause it to open (initiating that Ferguson Reflex we discussed earlier in the Hormones blog section).
Augmentation
In some cases, contractions are irregular and you may be offered or advised augmentation of labour, this means to medically create and maintain sufficient womb contractions, aiming for 4 contractions in 10 minutes. This is done by having a drip (usually in the hand) delivering a synthetic oxytocin, which is NOT the same as natural oxytocin, however, it does cause the womb to contract to birth your baby. You maybe offered epidural analgesia at this point, as it is believed that contractions from augmentations, due to the synthetic nature, are more painful than natural ones. Be sure to refer to the B.R.A.I.N.S and H.E.AR.T method if you are offered an epidural and how it may relate to your birth.
How long does it take?
It's difficult to know, it's kind of a "how long is a piece of string?" type question, I've seen births occur 6 hours after induction and up to 5 days and over. Different people/bodies, stages in pregnancy, how busy the hospital all play a role in length of time from induction to birth.
Any alternatives?
There are methods that are known to possibly help with 'ripening' or 'prepping' for labour by engaging in sexual activities such as nipple stimulation or sexual intercourse. This is because semen contains prostaglandins, the very drug that is inserted in an IOL. Being touched in a pleasurable way releases oxytocin, which not only feels nice and is relaxing, but can trigger womb tightenings.
Raspberry leaf tea is also thought to help at the end of pregnancy, so why not start drinking at around 34 weeks in pregnancy, I'd recommend using 2 tea bags per cup by week 37 to concentrate it's effect and save you drinking excessive amounts of tea. It is also thought to aid the wombs contractibility.
Acupuncture is also known to help with preparing the body for labour. It can take a few sessions over a few days and although there is evidence on it’s efficacy, it is not available on the NHS.