What Are the Risks of Inducing Labor?
Inducing labor, especially with prostaglandins and Pitocin, may be more risky for women who have had a previous C-section or other surgery to the uterus. There is also a very small risk that the placenta will separate from the wall of the uterus (placental abruption) with these medications if the contractions become too intense. If the contractions are too strong, the doctor will reduce the dose of medication or stop it altogether. Breaking the amniotic sac can lead to infection if you don’t deliver within a day or two after your doctor tries to induce labor. In rare cases, the umbilical cord can slip out before the baby (prolapsed cord).
