INDUCED DELIVERY: RISKS, DURATION AND TECHNIQUES TO STIMULATE BIRTH

Induced delivery is a manual, artificial or pharmacological stimulation of labor, the phase that precedes the natural birth of a newborn. It is performed especially when labor does not begin naturally and before deciding for a possible caesarean section. It is a set of different methods that have their pros and cons, as there are risks involved. It is therefore important to be well informed about the reasons for inducing childbirth with respect to the duration of pregnancy, the techniques used and the contraindications.

The reasons for inducing childbirth and the duration of pregnancy

Childbirth is induced for several reasons, the first of which is the overcoming of the terms of pregnancy: the birth should in fact take place between the fortieth and forty-second week, but when labor does not begin, various techniques are used to induce it, especially when he wants to avoid the caesarean. Childbirth is induced even if the health of the baby or mother is at risk, or when the waters break without gestosis), gynecologists recommend inducing birth even a few weeks before the expected date. Because? To prevent the baby from overgrowing or the mother taking risks. The same happens when the placenta is not functioning properly, which causes the baby to stop growing.

How to cope with the pains of childbirth? The video that explains how to do it

Any type of birth involves some pain, and the ways to deal with it are different. In this video, Nanny Simona explains how to deal with the pains of childbirth, what are the techniques and solutions. Find out everything there is to know about pain-free childbirth!

Induced delivery with gel, with tape, with balloon: the techniques used

There are 4 techniques to induce childbirth:

manual detachment of the membranes: the membranes of the cervix are removed manually, leaving them intact. An effect that is achieved with a massage
with prostaglandin gel: vaginal candles are introduced inside the uterus, which do not directly induce labor but soften the cervix, facilitating dilation with the use of oxytocin
with tape: also called Propess, from the name of the most common gauze. A small prostaglandin strip is soaked and inserted into the vagina, holding it there for up to 24 hours. The tape gradually releases the active substance preparing the cervix and inducing labor
with balloon: involves the artificial detachment of the membranes, thanks to the inflation of a balloon that reaches about 5 cm in diameter, stimulating the natural production of prostaglandins

The risks and consequences for mothers and babies

Induced childbirth is more painful than natural childbirth, because artificially stimulated contractions do not allow the production of pain-relieving endorphins, as happens when water rupture and labor occur spontaneously. In any case, epidural anesthesia is associated with induced birth. Apart from the pain, however, the risk and frequent consequence is that a caesarean section must still be used, especially when there is discomfort of the fetus or when the neck of the fetus. uterus does not dilate enough despite stimulation. If these are the cons, even if they are often necessary steps, the advantages are instead the constant monitoring of all stages of childbirth, from the state of dilation to actual labor, including the heartbeat and the general state of the unborn child and of the future mother. In the most serious cases, experts report instead that the risk of death of the newborn is very low.

What happens if induced delivery doesn't work?

If the induction does not work, a second cycle is attempted with the established technique, and then a caesarean is used. The second cycle is possible when there are no emergencies and can be attempted two days after the first, provided that the membranes do not have been artificially broken during the previous induction.The same happens if the waters have broken, if the mother's health is at risk or in cases where fetal distress is suspected.

The experiences told by those who had induced childbirth

Often issues concerning fertility, pregnancy and childbirth are also addressed by listening to or reading the experiences of others, testimonies that tell the techniques of induced childbirth either positively or negatively. They are only used to get an "idea, you still have to rely on the advice of your trusted gynecologist, but they are stories that are important to share. You can read the testimonies of those who have had induced childbirth in our forum, and give us your impressions in the comments below. or by intervening directly with the alfemminile community.