Inducing Labor: When Mother Nature Needs Help Making You a Mother Sooner
(continued)
Are there complications of induction?
All medical interventions have potential side effects and complications; induced
labor is no exception. Some complications can be quite serious, including fetal
distress from one of many causes, any of which may necessitate an emergent cesarean
section. Other potentially serious fetal complications include those of delivering
babies that are not yet fully developed and require neonatal intensive care.
Most maternal complications of induced labor result from complications of Pitocin.
These include abnormally elevated or decreased blood pressure, fluid in the
lungs, abnormal heart rate, and an increased risk of having the risks of a cesarean
section and complications of surgery or anesthesia. One common indication for
a non-emergent cesarean section is a "failed" induction; one in which
labor did not progress despite maximal doses of Pitocin, the most common medicine
used to induce or accelerate labor.
Important questions to ask your doctor if s/he recommends induced labor:
- Why are you recommending induction?
- Are there any diagnostic tests I should have before commiting to this decision?
- Are you reasonably certain my baby's lungs are mature?
- What are the risks of induction?
- What are the risks of not inducing labor?
- Is my cervix prepared for induction?
- Will I still be able to have an epidural if I want one? When?
For more information click here or check out the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Created: 12/26/2000 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
The goal for every pregnancy is a healthy mother and a healthy baby. Often,
the timing of the delivery is an important factor in ensuring a good--or better--outcome
for mom, baby, or both. 
