Why Induction?
Why not to just accept the ‘offer’ of induction
Induction: Why not to just accept the ‘offer’ of induction
As your due date approaches, excitement builds, and you might start wondering when your baby will make their appearance. For many, this anticipation is followed by conversations with healthcare providers about labour induction—a medical procedure used to artificially start labour. While induction may be necessary in some situations, it’s important to understand the potential downsides and risks before making this decision.
In this blog, we’ll explore why avoiding induction, unless medically necessary, is often the best approach for both mother and baby. We'll discuss the natural timing of labour, potential risks of induction, and how a more gentle, patient approach to birth can lead to a healthier and more positive experience.
What is Labour Induction?
Labour induction is the process of stimulating contractions before they naturally begin. This is done through methods such as:
Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) to start or strengthen contractions.
Breaking the water (amniotomy) to trigger labour.
Cervical ripening agents such as prostaglandins to soften and thin the cervix.
Mechanical methods like balloon catheters to help dilate the cervix.
While these interventions can be effective in starting labour, they come with a set of risks and often interfere with the natural flow of childbirth.
Why Avoid Induction?
Induction has its place in medical practice and can be life-saving in certain situations, such as when the mother has health complications like preeclampsia or if the baby is at risk. However, when induction is suggested purely for convenience or non-medical reasons, it may be worth reconsidering. Here’s why avoiding induction, unless absolutely necessary, is often the best option:
1. Letting the Body and Baby Decide the Right Time
One of the most important reasons to avoid unnecessary induction is that your body knows when it’s ready for labour. The onset of labour is controlled by a complex hormonal process, largely driven by signals from your baby. As your baby matures and gets ready for life outside the womb, it triggers the release of hormones, including oxytocin, which leads to the natural onset of labour.
By waiting for labour to begin on its own, you're giving your body and your baby the time they need to prepare for a smooth, natural birth. Babies born after spontaneous labour often have fewer complications with breathing, feeding, and regulating their body temperature because they’ve had the full benefit of a natural gestation period.
2. Induction Can Lead to a Cascade of Interventions
One of the primary concerns with induction is that it often sets off a cascade of interventions. When labour is induced, contractions can be more intense and frequent than those in a natural labour. This can increase the need for pain relief, including epidurals, which, in turn, may slow labour down. To counteract this, more interventions may be needed, such as increased doses of Pitocin or even assisted delivery with forceps or a vacuum.
This cascade increases the likelihood of needing a caesarean section (C-section), which can come with its own risks and a longer recovery time.
3. Increased Risk of Complications
Induction can carry several risks, including:
Foetal distress: The strong, frequent contractions caused by induction can reduce blood flow to the baby, leading to foetal distress.
Uterine hyperstimulation: In some cases, induction drugs can cause contractions that are too frequent or too long, putting stress on both mother and baby.
Infection: If labour takes a long time after the membranes are artificially ruptured, there is an increased risk of infection for both mother and baby.
Premature birth: Induction done too early in pregnancy, even just a couple of weeks before the due date, can result in preterm birth. Babies born even slightly prematurely may face challenges with lung development, feeding, and temperature regulation.
4. Longer, More Painful Labour
For many women, labour that begins with induction feels more intense and painful than spontaneous labour. Induction typically involves stronger, more frequent contractions from the very start, compared to the gradual build-up of contractions in natural labour. This can lead to the need for more pain relief and create a less positive birth experience overall.
5. Higher C-Section Rates
Studies have shown that women who undergo induction, especially for non-medical reasons, have a higher risk of requiring a C-section. This is particularly true for first-time mothers, where the induction process might not progress as quickly or effectively as it does in subsequent pregnancies. A C-section is major surgery, and while often necessary, it carries risks such as infection, blood clots, and a longer recovery time for the mother.
When Is Induction Necessary?
It’s important to note that there are situations where induction may be necessary for the safety of the mother and baby. These include:
Preeclampsia or high blood pressure: In cases where the mother's health is compromised, induction may be needed to prevent further complications.
Foetal growth restriction (IUGR): If the baby isn’t growing properly, early delivery may be recommended.
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM): If your water breaks but labour doesn’t start on its own within 24-48 hours, induction may be necessary to reduce the risk of infection.
In these cases, induction is a valuable medical tool that can help ensure the health of both mother and baby. The key is understanding when induction is truly necessary and when it might be avoidable.
Supporting Natural Labour
So, how can you encourage labour to start naturally and avoid induction? Here are some ways to support your body’s natural process:
Stay Active: Gentle movement, walking, and prenatal yoga can help your baby settle into the optimal position for labour and encourage the body to start the process naturally.
Relax and Rest: High levels of stress or anxiety can delay the onset of labour. Hypnobirthing techniques, relaxation exercises, and deep breathing can help calm the mind and body, creating the ideal environment for labour to begin.
Use Natural Stimulation Techniques: Some natural ways to encourage labour include nipple stimulation, using a birthing ball, and practicing rebozo techniques, which can help with foetal positioning and gentle pressure release.
Acupressure and Reflexology: These gentle techniques can promote relaxation and encourage the onset of natural labour by stimulating specific points on the body associated with the reproductive system.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: Trust your body. It knows when it’s time for your baby to be born, and, barring any medical concerns, your baby will arrive when they’re ready.
Final Thoughts
While medical induction has its place in modern obstetrics, avoiding it whenever possible allows your body and baby to work together in harmony, creating a natural and often easier birth experience. By understanding the potential risks of induction and trusting in your body’s natural timing, you can support a calm, gentle, and healthy labour.
Of course, always work closely with your healthcare provider to make the best decision for your unique pregnancy. With informed choices and the right support, including techniques like hypnobirthing and the presence of a doula, you can approach birth with confidence, knowing that your body is designed for this process.
If you’re feeling uncertain about induction or simply want more information, I’m here to help. Together, we can explore natural ways to prepare for labour and ensure you feel empowered throughout your birth experience.
Try my 'BABY COME OUT' session which uses hypnosis, rebozo massage and acupressure to help the body and mind naturally prepare for labour.