Induction

Labor induction is when a maternity care provider uses artificial ways, like artificial hormones such as pitocin, to cause labor to start before it begins on its own, which is referred to as the spontaneous onset of labor. Amazingly, scientists do not yet fully understand how labor begins on its own. As such, methods to induce labor are only a part of the complex process that is birth.

Because contractions are not always enough to cause labor, other methods are used including other hormone medicines, breaking the bag of waters, sweeping the membranes, methods to stimulate the mother’s own hormones, and mechanical cervical ripening. To further explore labor induction, I recommend the evidence-based research presented by Childbirth Connection.