Disadvantages of Induced Labour: Risks and Considerations You Should Know

Labor induction is a common medical procedure where healthcare providers use techniques to stimulate uterine contractions before labor begins naturally. While induced labor can be medically necessary in certain situations, it’s important to understand the potential disadvantages and risks associated with this intervention. This comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision about labor induction.

What Is Induced Labour?

Labor induction, also known as induced labour, is a medical procedure where healthcare professionals use various methods to start labor artificially before it begins on its own. The goal is to trigger uterine contractions that lead to cervical dilation and ultimately, vaginal delivery.

While sometimes medically necessary, labor induction is not without its drawbacks. Understanding these disadvantages is crucial for expectant mothers who may be considering or have been recommended this procedure.

Major Disadvantages of Induced Labour

1. Failed Induction

One of the most significant disadvantages of induced labour is the possibility of failed induction. This occurs when the methods used to induce labor don’t result in a vaginal delivery after 24 or more hours of attempting induction.

Failed induction can lead to:

• Prolonged labor and exhaustion for the mother
• Increased need for emergency cesarean section
• Extended hospital stay
• Higher medical costs
• Greater physical and emotional stress

Studies indicate that first-time mothers with unfavorable cervical conditions have a higher risk of failed induction compared to those whose bodies are already preparing for natural labor.

2. Increased Risk of Cesarean Delivery

Women who undergo labor induction, particularly first-time mothers, face a higher likelihood of requiring a cesarean section compared to those who experience spontaneous labor. This is especially true when:

• The cervix is not yet ripened or ready for labor
• Induction begins before 39 weeks gestation
• The baby is in a difficult position
• The mother’s body doesn’t respond well to induction methods

A C-section carries its own set of risks including longer recovery time, increased bleeding, infection, and potential complications in future pregnancies.

3. Abnormal or Excessive Contractions

Medications and techniques used during labor induction can cause contractions that are too frequent, too long, or too strong. This condition, known as uterine tachysystole or hyperstimulation, can lead to:

• Reduced oxygen supply to the baby
• Fetal distress
• Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns
• Increased pain for the mother
• Potential need for emergency intervention

These abnormal contraction patterns require close monitoring and may necessitate adjustments to the induction process or emergency delivery.

4. Fetal Heart Rate Complications

Induced labor increases the risk of abnormal fetal heart rate patterns. The artificial stimulation of contractions can compromise blood flow through the placenta, reducing oxygen delivery to the baby. This may result in:

• Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate)
• Tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rate)
• Variable decelerations in heart rate
• Need for interventions such as oxygen therapy or position changes
• Potential emergency cesarean delivery

5. Increased Infection Risk

Certain labor induction methods, particularly artificial rupture of membranes, can increase the risk of infection for both mother and baby. When the protective amniotic sac is broken, bacteria have a potential pathway to enter the uterus.

Infection risks include:

• Chorioamnionitis (infection of the amniotic fluid and membranes)
• Endometritis (uterine infection)
• Neonatal infection or sepsis
• Prolonged antibiotic treatment
• Extended hospital stay for mother and baby

6. Uterine Rupture

Though rare, uterine rupture is one of the most serious disadvantages of induced labour. This life-threatening complication occurs when the uterus tears, typically along a previous cesarean scar or surgical site.

Uterine rupture can cause:

• Severe hemorrhaging
• Shock
• Fetal oxygen deprivation
• Need for emergency hysterectomy
• Maternal or fetal death in extreme cases

Women with previous cesarean deliveries or uterine surgery face higher risk of this complication during induced labor.

7. Postpartum Hemorrhage

Labor induction increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, which is excessive bleeding after delivery. The artificial stimulation of contractions can affect the uterus’s ability to contract properly after birth, a condition called uterine atony.

Consequences may include:

• Significant blood loss requiring transfusion
• Need for additional medical interventions
• Extended recovery period
• In severe cases, surgical procedures or hysterectomy
• Postpartum anemia and fatigue

8. Umbilical Cord Complications

Induced labor can increase the likelihood of umbilical cord problems, including:

• Cord prolapse (when the cord slips through the cervix ahead of the baby)
• Cord compression from strong contractions
• Reduced blood flow to the baby

These complications require immediate medical attention and often emergency cesarean delivery to protect the baby’s wellbeing.

Additional Concerns with Induced Labour

More Intense Pain

Many women report that contractions during induced labor are more painful than natural contractions. Artificially stimulated contractions often:

• Come on more suddenly without gradual buildup
• Are stronger and more frequent from the start
• Don’t allow the body time to produce natural pain-relieving endorphins
• Lead to greater need for pain medication or epidural anesthesia

Limited Mobility

Induced labor often requires continuous fetal monitoring and intravenous medication administration, which can restrict the mother’s movement. This limitation:

• Prevents walking and position changes that can ease labor
• May slow labor progression
• Can increase discomfort and anxiety
• Reduces the mother’s sense of control during labor

Longer Hospital Stay

Induction typically requires arriving at the hospital before labor has begun and may involve:

• Several hours or even days of cervical ripening
• Extended monitoring periods
• Longer overall labor duration
• Increased time away from home and family
• Higher healthcare costs

Emotional and Psychological Impact

The disadvantages of induced labour extend beyond physical risks. Many women experience:

• Feelings of disappointment if natural labor was hoped for
• Anxiety about the induction process
• Reduced sense of control during childbirth
• Difficulty with early bonding if complications arise
• Postpartum depression, particularly if induction leads to emergency intervention

When Induced Labour May Not Be Recommended

Labor induction is not suitable for everyone. Your healthcare provider will likely advise against induction if you have:

• Had a previous cesarean section with a vertical (classical) incision
• Previous major uterine surgery
• Placenta previa (when the placenta covers the cervix)
• Vasa previa (when blood vessels cross the cervical opening)
• Active genital herpes infection
• Transverse fetal lie (baby positioned sideways)
• Umbilical cord prolapse
• A baby in breech position in certain circumstances

Comparing Induced Labour to Natural Labor

Understanding how induced labor differs from spontaneous labor can help highlight its disadvantages:

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

If labor induction has been suggested, consider asking these important questions:

• What is the medical reason for recommending induction?
• What are the risks of waiting for natural labor to begin?
• What induction methods do you recommend and why?
• What is my likelihood of successful vaginal delivery after induction?
• What are my specific risk factors for complications?
• How will you monitor for potential problems during induction?
• What pain management options are available?
• What happens if the induction fails?
• Are there any alternatives to induction in my situation?
• How long might the induction process take?

Natural Methods: What Actually Works?

Many expectant mothers hope to avoid medical induction by trying natural methods to start labor. However, it’s important to understand that scientific evidence supporting these methods is limited. Popular approaches like:

• Eating spicy foods
• Walking or exercise
• Sexual intercourse
• Nipple stimulation
• Acupuncture

Have not been proven to reliably induce labor. Additionally, herbal supplements marketed for labor induction should be avoided as they can be harmful to both mother and baby. Always consult with your healthcare provider before attempting any method to induce labor naturally.

Making an Informed Decision

Understanding the disadvantages of induced labour is essential for making an informed decision about your childbirth experience. While induction carries risks, there are situations where the benefits outweigh these potential complications, particularly when:

• Continuing pregnancy poses greater risk than induction
• Medical conditions threaten maternal or fetal health
• Pregnancy extends significantly past the due date
• Complications such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes are present

The Importance of Shared Decision-Making

The decision to induce labor should involve thoughtful discussion between you and your healthcare team. This shared decision-making process should consider:

• Your individual medical history and risk factors
• The specific circumstances of your pregnancy
• Your preferences and concerns about childbirth
• The latest evidence on induction risks and benefits
• Alternative options if available

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, request time to consider your options, or seek a second opinion if you’re uncertain about the recommendation for labor induction.

When Induction May Be Necessary

Despite the disadvantages, labor induction is sometimes the safest option for mother and baby. Medical indications that may warrant induction include:

• Pregnancy lasting 41-42 weeks or beyond
• Premature rupture of membranes without labor progression
• Chorioamnionitis or other uterine infections
• Placental abruption
• Fetal growth restriction
• Oligohydramnios (low amniotic fluid)
• Gestational diabetes requiring medical management
• Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
• Maternal health conditions such as kidney disease or heart disease

In these situations, the risks of continuing pregnancy may exceed the disadvantages of induced labour.

Conclusion

Labor induction is a common obstetric intervention that can be life-saving when medically indicated. However, the disadvantages of induced labour including failed induction, increased cesarean delivery risk, abnormal contractions, infection, and potential for serious complications like uterine rupture should not be overlooked.

Every pregnancy is unique, and what’s appropriate for one woman may not be right for another. By understanding both the benefits and disadvantages of labor induction, you can engage in meaningful conversations with your healthcare provider and make the decision that best supports your health and your baby’s wellbeing.

Remember that seeking multiple medical opinions is your right as a patient, and your healthcare team should support you in making an informed choice about your labor and delivery experience. If you’re facing a decision about labor induction, take time to discuss all aspects with your healthcare provider, including the specific risks and benefits in your individual situation.

Sources:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Labor Induction
• Mayo Clinic – Labor Induction
• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Labor Induction
• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development – Labor Induction
• March of Dimes – Inducing Labor