Can you ask the doctor to induce your labor?

In most cases, it’s best to let labor happen on its own, but there are some exceptions. Your doctor may decide to induce you for medical reasons, or if you’re 2 weeks or more past your due date. Talk to your doctor about whether labor induction is right for you.

How long does it take to medically induce labor?

It can take from a few hours to as long as 2 to 3 days to induce labour. It depends how your body responds to the treatment. It is likely to take longer if this is your first pregnancy or you are less than 37 weeks pregnant.

Will my doctor induce me at 38 weeks if I ask?

Inducing labor should only be for medical reasons. If your pregnancy is healthy, it’s best to wait for labor to start on its own. If your provider recommends inducing labor, ask about waiting until at least 39 weeks to be induced so your baby has time to develop in the womb.

Why do doctors induce labor early?

Contractions help push your baby out of your uterus. Your provider may recommend inducing labor if your health or your baby’s health is at risk or if you’re 2 weeks or more past your due date. For some women, inducing labor is the best way to keep mom and baby healthy. Inducing labor should be for medical reasons only.

What can doctors do to induce labor?

Ways that doctors may try to induce labor by getting contractions started include:

• Stripping the membranes.
• Breaking your water (also called an amniotomy).
• Giving the hormone prostaglandin to help ripen the cervix.
• Giving the hormone oxytocin to stimulate contractions.

Can you choose to be induced?

Yes. With elective induction, there is always a choice. Be sure you talk with your doctor or midwife about what you want.

What are the disadvantages of inducing labor?

What are the risks?

• Failed induction. About 75 percent of first-time mothers who are induced will have a successful vaginal delivery.
• Low heart rate.
• Infection.
• Uterine rupture.
• Bleeding after delivery.

What do doctors inject to induce delivery?

Pitocin (oxytocin injection) is a natural hormone that causes the uterus to contract used to induce labor, strengthen labor contractions during childbirth, control bleeding after childbirth, or to induce an abortion.