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At what term can we induce childbirth?
At any time, explains obstetrician Dr. Le Ray. Before term, it is proposed when letting the pregnancy continue presents a greater danger than stopping it, for the mother or her baby. In the long term, apart from a maternal or fetal problem, childbirth is induced if the term is exceeded. The fork ? Between 41 and 42 weeks of amenorrhea (SA). Another reason: when the water bag breaks before going into labor, because of the risk of infection. For other reasons like maternal diabetes, or a big baby, it’s on a case-by-case basis.
How do we go about inducing childbirth?
It all depends on the cervix. If it is “favorable”, that is to say softened, shortened and / or already slightly open, the midwife breaks the water bag to start the contractions. In the event that the water bag is already ruptured, contractions are caused by placing an intravenous infusion of oxytocin. If the cervix is “unfavorable”, it first undergoes maturation thanks to hormones, prostaglandins, introduced in the form of a gel or a tampon in the vagina. Another method used: the balloon, introduced into the cervix, then inflated to dilate it.
Can we induce childbirth without a medical reason?
Yes, it is quite possible to arrange the mother in her family organization, or if she lives far from the maternity hospital. On the other hand, it is imperative that the term is greater than 39 weeks, that the baby is upside down and that the uterine cervix is already well open and shortened. Likewise, the mother must not have had a cesarean section during a previous pregnancy. This could further weaken the uterus.
Triggering: does it hurt?
The triggering causes contractions which over time can become painful. But rest assured, there are different methods to reduce the pain: walking, ballooning, bathing … and if that is not enough, analgesics or the installation of an epidural.
Induction of childbirth: are there any risks?
“There is no such thing as zero risk, underlines Dr Le Ray, but by following the recommendations, we try to avoid them as much as possible. The main risk? That the induction does not “work” and ends with a cesarean – the more unfavorable the cervix, the greater the risk. Other risk: unusually long work which increases the possibility of occurrence of bleeding right after childbirth. Finally, a complication, which happens very rarely fortunately, but which can occur if the mother has already had a cesarean: uterine rupture.