What is Labor Induction?
Many pregnant women choose to have labor induced, particularly if they are past their due date or if they are suffering from additional pregnancy complications. There are numerous techniques used to induce labor, and these can be performed at your local health clinic or in hospital. Any mechanical or medicinal treatment that is used to artificially trigger labor is a type of labor induction. Labor induction appears to be becoming more and more popular. In fact, between 15% and 30% of pregnant women choose to have labor induced with one or more of their pregnancies. Techniques Used to Induce Labor Health care providers use a variety of methods to induce labor. Some techniques focus on preparing the cervix for labor, while others directly trigger labor contractions. Depending upon the dilation of your cervix, your health care provider may recommend one technique over the other, or you may receive a combination of techniques. Dilating the Cervix In order to progress into active labor, you
