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Induction and Augmentation

 Back to Medical Interventions

Labor begins when the a woman's body releases hormones called oxytocin that makes the uterus start to contract.  Previous to her body starting this process her cervix has already softened and thinned and is ready to be compressed by the baby's head.  Induction means to start labor artificially. There are natural ways to attempt to start labor and there are medical ways to do it, however, no method will be successful if a woman's body is not ready.  A care provider can assess a woman's Bishop's Score to determine if her body is ready or not.  Augmentation utilizes the same techniques as induction, but is meant to speed up labor, not start it.

Natural Methods of Starting Labor
(Please always consult your care provider before starting any of these methods.  These methods are not a guarantee to start labor, but they have been known to help.)
Walking
Nipple Stimulation
Intercourse
Bowel Stimulation
Acupressure
Herbal Tea

Medical Methods of Inducing Labor

Stripping of membranes- With this technique, the bag of waters is gently lifted off of the woman’s cervix by a care provider.  This method has a low success rate, but may be helpful if a woman is past her due date and her cervix is open enough to try it.

Amniotomy/Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM)- In this procedure a care provider uses a tool that looks like a crochet hook to break the bag of waters.  Most hospitals do not allow women to labor more than 24 hours after their water has broken, so if this method does not work, the woman must move to Pitocin or a Cesarean Section.

Prostaglandin gel- This gel is in a capsule that is inserted into a woman's vagina and is placed next to her cervix.  It slowly attempts to soften her cervix.  This will not start labor, but will ripen a woman's cervix so it is favorable for induction.  Many of these gels and the few that come in pill form are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this purpose.  Talk to your doctor about the safety of these medicines.

Pitocin Infusion-  This is the most often used method in the U.S. today.  Although it is popular among physicians, women find it painful, and here’s why…
With a natural labor a woman's body releases oxytocin to contract the uterus and along with the oxytocin endorphins are released.  Endorphins are the hormones that are released after a workout or an orgasm, they help counteract the pain of the contractions.  Since Pitocin is a synthetic hormone (made in a lab) it does not create the endorphins to fight against the pain, therefore women are only feeling the pain and not the other powerful sensations of labor (even including pleasure!). 

Most women can not endure Pitocin induced labor pains without medical pain relievers of some sort.  Natural contractions which start off slow and weak (like menstrual cramps) and grow to be stronger and closer together, working with the body to prepare it for labor; however,  Pitocin contractions start off hard and strong and don't give a woman the chance to adjust to them.  When on Pitocin women need to be hooked up to an IV and to be constantly monitored.  She will not be able to get up and move around to relieve the labor pains that are affecting her.  If a woman desires to have a natural labor, she should be cautious when deciding on a Pitocin induction.