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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffLabor induction — also known as inducing labor — is a procedure used to stimulate uterine contractions during pregnancy before labor begins spontaneously. A health care provider may recommend labor induction for various reasons, primarily when there's concern for a mother's health or a baby's health.
Labor induction carries various risks, including infection and the possible need for a C-section. Sometimes the benefits of labor induction outweigh the risks, however.
- Inducing labor. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/240_20202.asp. Accessed April 1, 2009.
- Wing D. Induction of labor. http://www.uptodate/com/home/index.html. Accessed April 1, 2009.
- What to expect after your due date. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp069.cfm. Accessed April 1, 2009.
- Tita ATN, et al. Timing of elective repeat cesarean delivery at term and neonatal outcomes. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2009;360:111.
- Welischar J. Trial of labor after cesarean delivery. http://www.uptodate/com/home/index.html. Accessed April 16, 2009.
- Clark SL, et al. Neonatal and maternal outcomes associated with elective term delivery. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2009;100:156.
- Harms RW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 28, 2009.
