Inducing Labor

Dear Kathy,
 
My OB says should I not progress by my next appointment, she wants to induce labor. What does “being induced” entail?
 
Sincerely,
 
Ready to serve eviction notice

Dear Ready to Serve,
 
There are different ways of inducing labor, and the method chosen can vary based on the situation. Induction is being used more and more to prevent complications from being post-dates. Be sure you know the reason for the induction and have gotten all your questions answered before consenting to the procedure.
 
At Home Methods
 
If there is time, non-medical methods can be tried first. Increasing activity, such as taking long walks, can help. If there is a willing male partner, sexual intercourse can be effective because semen is packed with the hormone prostaglandin. Orgasms include uterine contractions, which don’t lead to labor if the body isn’t ready but they might help labor to get going at term, and are a fun way to try in any case! 

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