Is it too late to have a baby? Should we learn about labor induction?

Is your due date already over? Or has the doctor told you to deliver your baby a little earlier due to your and your baby's health? This is when we talk about the method called 'Labor Induction'. Simply put, this is the name given to the process of artificially starting labor instead of waiting for it to occur naturally. While this is the best option for some, it also has some risks. And it doesn't work for everyone. So let's be clear about this.

Why artificially create pain like this?

Normally, your body will begin the process of labor when the due date comes. However, sometimes, if there is a risk to your health or that of your baby, your doctor may decide to induce labor this way. This is not as unusual as you might think, and many births happen this way.

However, there should be a clear medical reason for doing this. Even obstetricians and gynecologists say, "We only recommend this method to get you and your baby out of this process safely." This is always a discussion between you and your doctor. So, talk carefully about the pros, cons, and alternatives before making a decision.

There are several main reasons to resort to this:

• A week or two past your due date: After 41 weeks of pregnancy, the risk of complications for you and your baby increases. But don't worry if you're a day or two late. It's also not advisable to do this before 39 weeks. Because babies born after that are more likely to have health problems.
• Failure to induce labor after the amniotic sac breaks: After the amniotic sac breaks, you and your baby are at increased risk of infection. Therefore, your doctor may decide to induce labor.
• Health risks to you or your baby: Your doctor may make this decision if you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, an infection in the uterus (chorioamnionitis), or low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios).
• Risk to the baby's health: This method is used if the baby is not growing properly or has heart rhythm abnormalities.
• Non-medical reasons (Elective Induction): Sometimes people ask if this can be done because you are too far from the hospital, or for other reasons of convenience. However, most experts recommend not doing this unless there is a clear medical reason.

How do doctors cause this disease? (Medical methods)

There are several main methods used in the hospital for this. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate method based on your condition.

Are there things you can do at home? (Natural methods)

You may have heard of some popular natural remedies. But many of these have no clear scientific evidence. The most important thing is, don't try any of these without talking to your doctor.

• Having sex: This can release hormones called prostaglandins in the body, which may stimulate labor. If your waters haven't broken and your doctor has given you permission, there's no harm in trying.
• Walking: Although walking is good exercise, it has not been scientifically proven to cause flatulence.
• Certain foods: Although there are varying opinions about things like spicy foods, pineapple, and dates, it cannot be definitively said that these will induce labor.
• Castor oil: Do not use without medical advice as this can cause diarrhea and dehydration.
• Various herbs: Although some herbal teas and oils are being talked about, there is no firm conclusion about their safety and effectiveness.

Are there any risks in this?

Yes, like all medical procedures, there are some risks, which is why it's important to discuss this thoroughly with a doctor.

• Feeling more pain: Artificially induced pain can be more intense and more frequent than natural pain, making it more likely that pain medication, especially an epidural, will be needed.
• Risk of infection: If the baby is not delivered within a day or two after the water breaks, the risk of infection increases.
• Possibility of a cesarean section (`C-section`): Sometimes these methods are not successful. In that case, a cesarean section may have to be performed.
• Possible problems for the baby: If labor is induced before 39 weeks (for medical reasons), the baby may have problems such as difficulty breathing.
• Rare but serious complications: When using these methods for someone who has had a previous cesarean section, there is a very small risk of uterine rupture. There is also a risk of placental abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterine wall. These are very rare conditions.

What are the risks of not causing pain?

On the other hand, sometimes even if the doctor recommends it, there are risks if it doesn't cause pain.

• Risks to the mother: As the baby grows larger day by day, labor can become more difficult. There is also an increased risk of pregnancy-related high blood pressure.
• Risks to the baby: As pregnancy progresses, the placenta's efficiency decreases, reducing the baby's nutrition and blood supply. Also, if the baby passes meconium in the womb, it can cause serious infections if inhaled.

So always talk to your doctor and make a decision that you both agree on what is best for you and your baby.

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