Most mothers will tell you that that ‘glow’ of pregnancy tends to wear off by the end of the third trimester and is then replaced by a sweaty anxiety about when labor is going to start. This late in the game, each additional day can feel a bit more awkward and past your comfort zone. And, for some mothers, nature just doesn’t move quite fast enough, which may require your healthcare provider’s help to get things going, aka inducing your labor. 

If you’re in the situation where your doctor—or you—are considering labor induction, here’s what you need to know.

Why do a labor induction?

Labor induction means stimulating the uterus to trigger contractions and kickstart your labor. Typically, induction is only used when there is a concern about the health of the mother or baby.

Reasons for inducing labor may include: 

  • Fetal weight less than 10% of expected
  • High blood pressure in the mother
  • Oligohydramnios (there is not enough amniotic fluid to surround and protect the baby)
  • Gestational diabetes, which can present complications during pregnancy
  • Pregnancy that has gone beyond the due date by more than two weeks
  • Premature rupture of membranes (breaking of your bag of water) creating the risk of infection entering your uterus
  • Placental abruption (your placenta starts to tear away from the wall of your womb, causing bleeding) 

What about inducing labor at 39 weeks?

Once you get to the tail end of your pregnancy, you may be interested in inducing labor at 40 weeks—or even at 39 weeks. But if you don’t have any of the above complications, is inducing labor at 39 weeks a wise choice? For healthy women—about to have their first baby— some research suggests that induction at 39 weeks may reduce the need for a C-section. Ultimately, it’s something you should discuss with your doctor! 

How is labor induced?

There are a several methods of labor induction:

Ripening the cervix: A doctor may use a natural hormone—called prostaglandin—to help soften the cervix. This might be directly inserted into the vagina or can be taken by mouth. Ripening the cervix can also be done using a thin tube with an inflatable balloon on the end—the tube is inserted into the cervix and the balloon is expanded to help open up the cervix. 

Stripping membranes: This is when a doctor, nurse, or midwife gently slides a finger through the opening of the cervix and—making a sweeping circular motion— manually separates the membrane of the sac around the baby from the wall of the uterus…without breaking the sac. It can sometimes induce contractions…and get labor moving! Your doctor might do this at one of your late-in-pregnancy prenatal appointments to speed along the process if your cervix has already begun to dilate. 

Rupturing amniotic sac: An amniotomy, or rupturing the amniotic sac (aka breaking your water), is a technique used to start labor by breaking the membrane called the amnion with a special hook-like tool. This will cause the amniotic fluid to release. This procedure is done after the cervix has dilated and thinned and the baby’s head has moved into the pelvis, or it might be done after you’ve received Pitocin. 

Pitocin: Pitocin is a form of oxytocin (the “love” hormone). IV Pitocin is commonly used to boost the strength of contractions and speed labor along. If you go in for a scheduled induction, this is likely how your labor will be induced. 

Are there risks to having labor induced?

Induction is quite safe, however every medical intervention creates some risks. For induction, the risks include: 

  • Failed induction: Inductions are very effective…but not fool-proof. About 25% of inductions in first-time moms fail, requiring a C-section.
  • Longer labor: Research suggests that induced labor may lengthen the birth process.
  • Infection: If the mother had her membranes ruptured to induce labor, there is some risk of infection to both the mother and baby.
  • Fetal Distress: Sometimes the medicines and procedures used to induce labor can cause the baby to have low blood pressure, low oxygen, and/or a low heart rate.
  • Uterine rupture: A rupture is a rip or tear along the scar lines from a previous cesarean section. This is a very rare but serious complication that calls for an emergency C-section. 

How long does labor induction take?

We wish inductions were as easy as showing up at the hospital, putting on a gown, snapping your fingers, and being handed your bundle of joy! But, women should expect labor inductions to take a few hours…or sometimes as long as 3 days. When you show up for your induction, come prepared with a full belly (unless your doctor has told you otherwise), and ways to pass the time (this might be a good time to start bingeing a new show on your iPad), just in case your baby takes his or her sweet time. 

Not all pregnancies will require labor induction, even those that are beyond the due date by a few days. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.

About Dr. Harvey Karp

Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.