Induction of labour: your options and what you should know
The normal labour period is usually between 37 0/7 and 41 3/7 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, the mother's body prepares for the birth and in most cases labour starts on its own as soon as the baby is ready to be born. Towards the end of pregnancy and especially after the due date, many women want to support their body in this process and encourage labour in a gentle way. There are various "natural methods" of inducing labour. These include, for example
- Acupuncture: this traditional Chinese medicine method can help to naturally prepare the body for labour
- Sexual activity: Sperm contain prostaglandins that can soften the cervix and induce labour.
- Exercise: walking and light physical activity can stimulate the labour process.
- Drinks and food: certain tea blends (e.g. with raspberry leaves, cinnamon or ginger) and spicy food, for example, can stimulate labour
In some cases, however, induction of labour is necessary to speed up the birth for medical reasons. Common reasons for inducing labour are, for example, transfer (if the pregnancy goes beyond 41 3/7 weeks), too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios), pre-eclampsia ("pregnancy poisoning"), (gestational) diabetes of the expectant mother, placenta problems, growth retardation of the foetus or if the amniotic sac bursts but the contractions do not start on their own.
There are various methods of inducing labour, which are used depending on the situation and condition of the mother and baby. A distinction is made between medical and mechanical methods.
Drug induction:
- Prostaglandins: these hormones are inserted into the vagina in the form of a suppository to soften the cervix and stimulate labour.
- Oxytocin: the well-known "labour drip". An intravenously administered drug that intensifies and regularises contractions.
Mechanical methods:
- Balloon catheter: A thin tube with a small balloon is inserted into the cervix. The balloon is inflated to exert pressure on the cervix and open it up.
- Membrane stripping: The midwife or doctor inserts a finger into the cervix and gently separates the amniotic sac from the uterine wall to stimulate the production of prostaglandins
- Artificial opening of the amniotic sac: The midwife or doctor opens the amniotic sac with a small hook so that the baby's head presses harder on the cervix.
These methods are selected depending on the individual situation and medical necessity.
Many women are afraid of induction of labour because they have heard that it is very painful. Induction labour can sometimes feel more intense than natural labour, as the body may not be fully ready and contractions are artificially stimulated. Medicated inductions can also lead to stronger and faster contractions. However, every labour is unique and the sensation of pain can vary from woman to woman. It is important not to be afraid, but to be well informed about the various pain management options and to discuss these with your doctor. Supportive measures such as breathing techniques, relaxation exercises and painkillers can help to make the labour process more comfortable. The risk of a caesarean section is also not increased after an induction.
