Labor Induction Specialist in Silver Spring, MD
What is Labor Induction?
Labor induction is helping with childbirth when deemed medically necessary. Inducing labor can be to initiate or help accelerate the birth of the baby, and is fairly common.
Trust the skilled providers at Capital Women’s Care in Rockville and Silver Spring, MD, for expert labor induction services. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call us today at (301) 681-9101 to schedule a consultation.
Reasons for Labor Induction
There are several reasons our providers may suggest inducing labor to help with the safe arrival of a new baby.
Common reasons for inducing labor include:
- Previous experience with childbirth
- Past due date
- Health complication
- Your pregnancy has lasted more than 41 to 42 weeks.
- You have health problems, such as problems with your heart, lungs, or kidneys
- You have high blood pressure or gestational diabetes
- There are problems with the placenta
- There are problems with the fetus, such as poor growth
- If there is an infection in the uterus
- If your labor stalls
- If your labor isn’t progressing
If your provider at Capital Women’s Care recommends labor induction, it’s typically because the benefits outweigh the risks. Elective labor induction is the starting of labor for convenience when there’s no medical need. It can be useful for women who live far from the hospital or birthing center or who have a history of fast deliveries.
How Labor Induction Works
Labor induction is typically done to initiate contractions of the uterus artificially. There are several ways to induce labor.
A few of them are:
- Medication for cervix – this helps to to soften, thin (efface), and open (dilate) your cervix to prepare it for childbirth
- Cervical ripening balloon – to help your body prepare for labor
- Membrane sweeping – gently separating the amniotic sac from the cervix can stimulate the release of natural lipids and hormones
- Break your water – rupturing the amniotic sac to help labor progress
- Medication for contractions – can help if labor stops progressing on its own like oxytocin or pitocin
Benefits of Labor Induction
Some benefits of labor induction include:
- Lower risk of stillbirth
- Reduced medical complications
- Ensures medical help is nearby
- Lower risk of developing high blood pressure
- Close monitoring of mom and baby
There are some risks as well, so it is important to talk to your doctor to see what is best for you.
When Can Your Doctor Induce Labor?
The timing of labor induction varies depending on the health of your pregnancy.
Pregnancy care providers weigh the risks and benefits of inducing labor. Typically, it is recommended to wait until at least 39 weeks of pregnancy to duce labor, however, this can vary based on the health of the mother and baby.
How long it takes for your body to labor after being induced will also vary based on your unique situation.
Am I a Candidate?
Labor induction is a medical procedure used when the natural onset of labor is delayed or when there are medical concerns about the health of the mother or baby. It is typically performed to ensure the well-being of both during childbirth.
If your doctor at Capital Women’s Care recommends labor induction, they will discuss the specific reasons and methods with you, considering your unique circumstances.
Schedule a Labor Induction Consultation in Rockville, MD
At Capital Women’s Care in Rockville and Silver Spring, MD, our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized labor induction services to ensure a safe and healthy delivery for you and your baby. Call us today at (301) 681-9101 to schedule a consultation.