3 Things to Know Before an Induction

It is hard to find statistics on exactly what the induction rate is, but most of us working in the birth field agree that in this area it is around 50%. That is, approximately half of all women's labors in the Chattanooga area are induced. Yet, the research proves that when women are induced for nonmedical reasons, there is an increase in complications for moms and babies. Here are 3 things to know before you make a decision on induction.

1) Know why your Care Provider is suggesting induction. There are true medical reasons for inductions. These include health concerns for mother like preeclampsia, health concerns for baby like placenta issues, a pregnancy that goes past 42 weeks, or your water breaking but not going into labor. Yet, it is highly common in this area to be induced for nonmedical reasons. These include a suspected big baby, your pregnancy goes past your due date, or your care provider is going out of town. Another big one is holidays. Inductions carry risks which is why it is good to have a medical reason.

2) Know your Bishop Score. You will need a vaginal exam to assess this. The Bishop Score gives you an idea of how ready your body is for an induction. A higher score indicates that an induction is likely to work, while a lower score means the induction may not work. For most women, if the induction doesn't work, it will mean a Cesarean. To learn more about a Bishop Score and how it is calculated- Bishop Score.

3) Know what the process is for induction. Each care provider has there own set of "orders" which they give the nurse for the process of induction. Ask your care provider what their process is and what to expect during induction. Typically, the cervix is ripened with a prostaglandin gel over night, pitocin is started in the morning, and, at some point, they break your water. Also ask your care provider how much you can be involved in the decisions during the process. Many women feel like they have no choices and just follow the doctors order, but you actually can still participate and do what is right for you.

Once you have all this information and have talked it over with your care provider, make a decision that is right for you and your baby.