Under What Circumstances Do Pregnant Women Need Induced Labor?

Induced labor is a method of artificially stimulating contractions in pregnant women to facilitate the delivery of the fetus.

It can be used for terminating pregnancies in the second trimester (12–27 weeks) or inducing labor in the third trimester (after 28 weeks). Clinically, the latter is often referred to as "labor induction."

In any case, induced labor should only be performed after evaluation and judgment by a professional obstetrician-gynecologist.

Second-Trimester Induced Labor (As Advised by a Doctor)

Common reasons include:

• Unplanned pregnancy with missed timing for abortion.
• Fetal abnormalities or genetic diseases detected during prenatal checkups.
• Severe maternal health conditions making pregnancy continuation impossible.
• Personal or family reasons for unwillingness to continue the pregnancy.

Third-Trimester Induced Labor or Labor Induction (As Advised by a Doctor)

Common reasons include:

• Post-term pregnancy (41 weeks or more).
• Premature rupture of membranes (after 37 weeks, with no labor onset within 2 hours).
• Severe pregnancy-related conditions (e.g., gestational hypertension, diabetes, liver/kidney disease) if vaginal delivery is deemed feasible.
• Fetal abnormalities (e.g., severe growth restriction, stillbirth, major deformities).
• Other factors (e.g., oligohydramnios, placental insufficiency with fetal tolerance for contractions).

How Is Induced Labor Performed? What Are the Main Methods?

Doctors strictly assess indications and choose methods based on gestational age, prior C-section history, cervical readiness, etc.

Second Trimester

Common methods:

• Intra-amniotic ethacridine injection (90–99% efficacy in inducing contractions).
• Medication (mifepristone + misoprostol).
• Balloon catheter induction (mechanical stimulation to trigger contractions).

Third Trimester

Success depends on cervical readiness. Methods include:

• Prostaglandins or mechanical methods (e.g., balloon) for cervical ripening, followed by oxytocin.
• Direct oxytocin induction.

Once contractions begin, they resemble natural labor.

Post-Induction Care

Monitor Symptoms: Report heavy bleeding, fever, or severe pain promptly.

Urinate Early: Prevent urinary retention within 2 hours post-procedure.

Hygiene: Keep the perineum clean and dry; avoid baths.

Activity & Rest: Early movement aids recovery; balance with adequate rest.

Nutrition: Prioritize protein, fruits, and vegetables for healing and hydration.

No Sex for 6 Weeks: Prevent infection or unintended pregnancy.

Induced Labor vs. Abortion

Abortion: Termination before 28 weeks (fetal weight <1000g). Early (<12 weeks) or late (≥12 weeks).

Differences:

1. Timing:
   • Induced labor: ≥12 weeks.
   • Surgical abortion: ≤12 weeks.
   • Medical abortion: ≤49 days (gestational sac ≤2.5 cm).
2. Methods:
   • Induced labor: Fetal demise + contraction induction.
   • Surgical abortion: Vacuum aspiration.
   • Medical abortion: Mifepristone/misoprostol (may require surgical follow-up).
3. Risks:
   • Induced labor: Higher complication rates (cervical dilation needed).
   • Surgical abortion: Uterine perforation risk.
   • Medical abortion: Heavy bleeding, incomplete expulsion risk.

Can You Get Pregnant Again After Induced Labor?

Second-trimester induction: May affect fertility if endometrial damage occurs. Wait 6–12 months before trying again. Address underlying causes (e.g., genetic counseling for fetal abnormalities).

Third-trimester induction/induction: No impact on future pregnancies (similar to natural labor).