Written By: Hira Hasan
INDUCED LABOR IS NOT THE SAME AS SPONTANEOUS LABOR
Most traumatic birth experiences I've heard start here: INDUCTION
Yes, there's a time and place for each intervention, including induction, but the rate at which it is being offered to LOW risk women is insane.
Being an advocate for natural birth and holistic care, I don't agree with every recommendation of ACOG, but here's an interesting statement issued by the organization in 2017:
They acknowledge, "Many common obstetric practices are of limited or uncertain benefit for low risk women in spontaneous labor."
Consider these comparisons between the body's natural hormone, Oxytocin (natural labor hormone) and Pitocin (labor inducing drug) if you are being lured into induction without an absolute necessary reason:
OXYTOCIN
- Natural labor hormone produced by our bodies that causes regular uterine contractions
- Gradually builds up as the body and the baby become ready for labor to progress
- Recognized by the brain and endorphins released as a response to reduce the pain and have relaxation effect
- No side effects or risks
PITOCIN
- Synthetic drug which also causes uterine contractions
- Causes frequent, forceful, longer, irregular and more painful contractions which leads to a cascade of interventions (watch out for next post)
- More likely for mother to ask for pain relief
- An IV is attached which reduces the freedom of movement
- Does not cross the blood brain barrier hence no endorphins are released which makes labor more painful
- Does not work if body isn't naturally ready for birth and as a result a great number of women go through a viscious cycle of pain for nothing and end up getting a C-section
- Increased risks of Postpartum hemorrhage
- Increased risk of uterine rupture
- Puts baby in fetal distress (heartbeat becomes irregular)
- Increases risk of more interventions
- Allergic reactions
Learning how to weigh benefits over risks will help to make better decisions for ourselves and our babies. Birth Matters for mom and baby both!
Remember to ask your care provider when and how often they suggest an induction so you can make the best choice.
Empower yourself with the right knowledge by enrolling in our AMANI Childbirth Classes!
JazakumAllah Khair for pointing out the risks of induction. So helpful!
It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider to ensure the safest approach for both mother and baby.
Ya Allah many moms have experienced both spontaneous and induced contractions and talk of how vastly different they felt!
Very informative mashaAllah
It is very important for every mother to be aware of this before her delivery.
Thank you for the brief but impactful bit of focused info on inductions, Inshallah may all Mothers have a Natural Physiological Birth and may Allah give them the Best.
Precisely said and written!
Difference between the natural and synthetic hormone is crucial!
Jazakillah loved the information
Being aware of the risks and benefits helps us to make an informed decision Alhamdulillah đź‘Ť
And it is Just horrifying if medical stuff does not know to start with little dosé but you getting overdose right away on the beginning. Can be really traumatizing for mothers to go through this.
So important for women to do their research. How many doctors are even aware of ACOG’s statement from 2017?
A very important reminder for mums to understand!
Beautiful MashAllah đź’•
Beautiful reminder!! ❤️ 💕
Very well written article. A good reminder to mothers
Amazing. Allahumma barik. It is so unfortunate that so many moms are fooled into thinking that induction is something minimal. If your body and your baby are not ready, induction is definitely not the way to go. Forcing baby and body leads to more complex interventions or emergency situations.