Medical Induction of Labor

Many people who go past their due date have an induction of labor, which is when a provider starts your labor using various methods in the hospital or at home. While going past your due date is the most common reason for a labor induction, there are other reasons an induction of labor may be recommended, including health problems, problems during pregnancy, or concerns for the baby. In many of these cases, labor will be started early, before your due date.

Some of the most common medical reasons to have an induction of labor are:

• High blood pressure or preeclampsia
• Diabetes before or during pregnancy
• Cholestasis (itching during pregnancy)
• Baby is too small (fetal growth restriction)
• A twin pregnancy
• Concerns for your baby that come up during fetal testing or ultrasound. This may be drops in baby’s heart rate (decelerations), low fluid (oligohydramnios), or too much fluid (polyhydramnios)

How Can Starting Labor Early Help If I Have Health Problems?

For many health problems, starting labor early is the best treatment. Having an induction of labor helps:

• Your body start labor to have a vaginal birth
• Prevent problems for your baby, like getting sick or stillbirth
• Protect your health and help you get better sooner if you have a health problem

Sometimes induction of labor does not work, and a C-section may be recommended.