What Are the Methods for Inducing Labor?

Though most labor starts on its own, sometimes it must be started artificially. Labor is induced for many reasons, including a deteriorating placenta, low abdominal fluid, uterine infection or if contractions have not begun after a woman's water has broken.

  1. Physical Methods

    • Physical methods of labor induction include "sweeping" the membranes, or separating the amniotic sac from the wall of the uterus near the cervix. In some cases, a health care professional will rupture the amniotic sac (also called an amniotomy or artificial rupture of the membranes).

    Pharmaceutical Methods

    • A doctor or midwife might administer a medication to dilate the woman's cervix. In many inductions, a doctor or midwife will intravenously give the woman a synthetic form of oxytocin to induce contractions.

    Other Methods

    • Nipple stimulation can cause contractions to begin or strengthen. Nipple stimulation causes the body to release oxytocin. This method can cause contractions to become very strong very quickly, and it should be used with care.

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