Induction
In an induction, a birth is artificially initiated. An induction always takes place in a hospital under the responsibility of a doctor (gynecologist). The gynecologist advises an induction if it is expected that the situation for the baby is more favorable outside the womb.
Only 4 percent of all babies are born on the calculated day. Most babies are born between week 37 and week 42. Only if your baby is not born after 42 weeks is your baby classed as late.
Reasons to induce a birth:
Prolonged broken membrane
The breaking of the membranes is often the first sign that the delivery has begun. One speaks of prolonged broken membranes, if the membranes have been broken for more than 24 hours. Because there is a greater risk of infection, a hospital delivery is advised. With long-term broken membranes, it is wise to record the temperature. In case of fever (more than 38 degrees C) you should contact the midwife or gynecologist. If the membranes are broken for longer than three days with a full-term pregnancy, there is little chance that the contractions will start spontaneously. An induction is usually advised between 24 hours and 48 hours, after breaking the membranes.
Long overdue
Pregnancy is known as officially overdue if the woman has not given birth 2 weeks after the due date (serotonin syndrome. The amount of amniotic fluid is examined by means of a scan. A CTG (cardiotocogram) is also taken - a registration of the heart tones of the baby. When these studies show that the condition of the baby is deteriorating, the gynecologist will induce the delivery.
Damaged placenta
For example, due to high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy, the placenta may start to malfunction. The baby receives oxygen and nutrition via the placenta, and when the baby gets too little of it, the delivery is initiated.
Baby's growth is slow
If the gynecologist or obstetrician suspects that the baby is growing too little, research will be done by means of an ultrasound and a CTG. This is to see if the baby is indeed behind the growth curve and to assess the condition of the baby. If there is insufficient growth, or if the condition of the baby deteriorates, the gynecologist can advise an induction
Preeclampsia
When the woman has severe preeclampsia, there is only one way to counteract further consequences and that is to have baby. This happens preferably when the baby can live outside the womb without serious consequences. This is on average from week 29 of the pregnancy.
Also see these information articles: · Acupuncture · Doula · Hospital birth · Pain · Preparations · Waterbirth
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