*This is a podcast interview in the series - Regular Moms | Regular Birthing Stories*
Ramya Krishna is a mom like you! When I called her up to ask her if she will be willing to share her birth story, she was more than excited!
“Is there something about your child birth experience that you want other to-be mothers to know?” I asked her.
Ramya answered, “Yes I was induced 8 times for normal delivery!”
If you are pregnant, you would have heard the term - Inducing Labor. What is it exactly, how is the experience and what advice does Ramya have for mothers, its all here in this blog!
Read it till the end to know 5 important facts about inducing labor you must know!
Watch her entire video interview here:
Ramya, who is a Ph.D student from IIT Madras, shares in great detail about her pregnancy which went over 40 weeks with no signs of labor pains. Her doctor felt it best to induce the labor and then began her journey of getting her bundle of joy in her arms.
She was given pitocin injections over a gap of 4-5 hours 8 times in the hope to start the contractions but it failed to start her labor and she needed an emergency C-section to deliver her baby boy safely.
Ramya is an epitome of a mother's strength and love who can bear any pain for her child. Watch her entire interview to know how does labor pain after being induced feel like and what she feels every pregnant mother who is asked to take injections for labor induction should know.
You can also hear Ramya in podcast (audio only) here :
So What Exactly is Inducing Labor?
First, lets understand this!
Labor induction — also known as inducing labor — is prompting the uterus to contract during pregnancy before labor begins on its own for a vaginal birth. Your gynecologist might recommend inducing labor for various reasons, primarily when there's concern for the mother's or baby's health. If you're pregnant, understanding why and how labor induction is done can help you prepare
How does inducing labor take place?
There are various ways of inducing labor. Depending on the circumstances, your OB/GYN might :
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Ripen the cervix. Sometimes prostaglandins, versions of chemicals the body naturally produces, are placed inside the vagina or taken by mouth to thin or soften (ripen) the cervix. After prostaglandin use, the contractions and the baby's heart rate are monitored.
- Sweep the membranes of the amniotic sac. With this technique, also known as stripping the membranes, the health care provider sweeps a gloved finger over the covering of the amniotic sac near the fetus. This separates the sac from the cervix and the lower uterine wall, which might help start labor.
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Rupture the amniotic sac. With this technique, also known as an amniotomy, the health care provider makes a small opening in the amniotic sac. The hole causes the water to break, which might help labor go forward.
An amniotomy is done only if the cervix is partially dilated and thinned, and the baby's head is deep in the pelvis. The baby's heart rate is monitored before and after the procedure.
- Inject a medication into a vein. In the hospital, a health care provider might inject a version of oxytocin (Pitocin) — a hormone that causes the uterus to contract — into a vein. Oxytocin is more effective at speeding up labor that has already begun than it is as at cervical ripening. The provider monitors contractions and the baby's heart rate.
How long it takes for labor to start depends on how ripe the cervix is when the induction starts, the induction techniques used and how the body responds to them. It can take minutes to hours.
Did you know? Research says it can take upto 5 hours for labor to start after being induced! But your wait for a stylish maternity wardrobe is over! Get this gorgeous maternity kurti Ramya loves at a steal deal!
5 Important things about inducing labor you must know!
1.It should be done as a medical necessity!
Inducing labor must be done only when there is a medical need. Common reasons include:
- Post term pregnancy (Pregnancy going beyond 41 weeks)
- Certain conditions like pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes.
- When there is a risk to the life of mother or baby.
2. There are different methods of induction.
There are several methods of inducing labor, including artificial rupture of membranes (breaking the water), intravenous administration of synthetic hormones like oxytocin, and cervical ripening agents such as prostaglandin gels or inserts. The choice of method depends on the specific circumstances of the pregnancy.
3. Evaluate the risks and benefits before going ahead with labor induction.
Inducing labor can have both benefits and risks. The benefit is addressing the medical issue or concern that necessitated the induction. However, it also comes with potential risks, including a higher likelihood of cesarean section, stronger and more painful contractions, and a longer labor. It's important to discuss these pros and cons with a healthcare provider.
4. Timing matters!
The timing of induction is crucial. Inducing labor too early, when the cervix isn't ripe, can lead to a more difficult and prolonged labor. On the other hand, waiting too long can increase risks to the baby. Healthcare providers use various assessments to determine the optimal time for induction.
5. Be actively involved in the decision making.
It's important for expectant parents to be actively involved in the decision to induce labor. This involves open communication with healthcare providers, asking questions, and understanding the reasons behind the recommendation for induction. In some cases, it may be appropriate to seek a second opinion if you have concerns.
Ultimately, the decision to induce labor should be made based on medical necessity and in consultation with healthcare professionals. Moms should feel empowered to ask questions, voice their concerns, and actively participate in the decision-making process.
While inducing labor or not is a decision that needs you to think over, there are some things that are so easy to decide! Like upgrading your wardrobe with these stunning maternity wear!
What to do next?
- Share this article with your friends and family!
- Subscribe to our channel on you tube for more content on pregnancy and motherhood.
- Drop a comment below and share your experience with fellow moms! We love to hear from you!
Want your birthing story to be featured?
Drop me an email at mayura@houseofzelena.com with the subject
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ruchi goel
Good to read this. I might be induced and its very scary as I have heard the pain after being induced is horrible. I will talk to my gynac and get some more info. Thanks for writing