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!