Induction Risks

Induction risks? Really? Are we not told inductions are safe? More than 1/3 of pregnant women will have one...it has to be safe right?

The medical literature has this to say about inductions, "Even though they are generally safe, there are some risks."

Huh?!

Can "safe" and "risk" really be used in the same sentence??

So let's take a closer look at the risks of induction.

Pitocin

The most common method to induce labor is to use synthetic oxytocin also called Pitocin.

Here are some facts about Pitocin which you may not know but that any good doctor should make you aware off BEFORE you are induced!

In 1978, the FDA advisory committee removed its approval of Pitocin for the elective induction of labor. Another thing that you may not know is that the same FDA has never approved Pitocin for the use of augmentation of labor. Moreover the current PDR - Physicians' Desk Reference - clearly states that "Pitocin is not indicated for elective induction of labor." Yet it is used daily on thousands of pregnant women for this very purpose.

Prostaglandin Gels

As for prostaglandin gels, you may be surprised to discover that they are not approved for labor induction either.

There are various types of gels:

Dinoprostone: The manufacturer of this very product warns "Prostin E2 vaginal suppository should not be used for cervical ripening." For more information about this drug and its dangers Click Here.

Prepidil and Cervidil both are made of Dinoprostone.

Here is another tidbit which you may want to know BEFORE an induction. Dinoprostone is made with a "natural" occurring prostaglandin. Has anyone asked: "where this said prostaglanding comes from?"

You will be happy to know that the "natural" claim is true. Dinoprostone is made from a base of semen! The semen of choice is pig but the gel could be made of bull semen or human semen as well. We don't know about you but none of those options appeal to us. Sex is still the best way to get prostaglandin where it needs to be while bypassing pig, bull and some unknown human(s). Yuck!

Misoprostol: Another drug that is not FDA approved for pregnancy, labor or lactation! Moreover its use is more than off-label it is against the manufacter's labeling. For more information on Misoprostol - also known as Cytotec - Click Here.

Induction Risks: Are they Necessary?

Induction risks are real! But still today, despite the problems that arise from labor inductions, the lack of hard data supporting these protocols and the data suggesting it is dangerous, inductions are rising at an alarming rate.

Labor is now micromanaged and women are made to believe that their faulty bodies are in need of help from start to finish...help to go into labor, help to stay in labor, help to deliver...sometimes the female body is even seen as the enemy by growing a life that becomes to big to even be birthed naturally or by going "overdue" and therefore being a huge risk to the very life inside of you.

Labor inductions are a necessary process when - and only when - the benefits outweigh the risks, which in truth is almost never!

Labor inductions cause a slew of problems. Inductions - as C-sections - should be performed for medical reasons not for preference or impatience

Induction Risks: What are they?

So what are the induction risks?

Increased risk of cesarean section

Increased risk of forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery

Increased risk of shoulder dystocia due to mal-presentation

Increased risk of hemorrhage

Increased risk of cord prolapse

Increased risk of fetal distress

Increased risk of meconium aspiration

Increased risk of uterine rupture

Increased risk of maternal and fetal death

Increased risk of prematurity

Increased risk of use of other medications including epidurals

Inductions are so common that despite the induction risks, we think they are a normal part of pregnancy and birth . Did you know that inductions are a major contributor of birth-related expenses and complications in the United States?

Induction rates doubled in the United States from 1990 to 1998 - in a short 8 years. In 1999, 1/3 of American women were induced and another third had their labor augmented with Pitocin.

The FDA also estimates that induction rates are "vastly under reported." Here is a quote from an article published on January 5, 2005:

You may be surprised to find out that despite the fact we have ultrasounds, induction of labor remains one of the largest causes of prematurity. Ultrasounds are extremely unreliable for determining fetal age and weight and it is more so as your pregnancy advances. Despite this fact, most birth attendants seem to be unwilling to discount a due date "confirmed" by ultrasound. This means that women are induced, even though their babies are clearly not ready to be born. Some figure it is no big deal as long as your baby is 37 weeks or more and is therefore term. This is false! Babies born before full maturity - i.e. before they are ready - can still suffer from breathing difficulties or other issues requiring a NICU stay.

Considering that this type of intervention can affect breastfeeding as well as bonding and attachment - which are leading causes of child abuse - maybe we should rethink inductions..no? The timing of birth should be left to nature unless truly medically indicated.

Moreover, for you, an induction requires continuous monitoring with an EFM - or IFM - and an IV. Which means your freedom of movement will be reduced and your ability to birth unassisted is also reduced.

Induction Risks: Conclusion

Don't get us wrong, as with any procedure, an induction - that is necessary - is a God send. Modern medicine is able to save mothers and babies who years ago may not have survived. Modern medicine has its place. But outside of its proper boundaries, modern medicine can be a scourge not a blessing. It does not belong in healthy, normal pregnancy and birth which are not diseases, sicknesses or abnormal.

We doubt that 1/3 of American women have malfunctioning bodies which require assistance. Induction risks are real and are not worth it if there is not TRUE and valid indications for an induction. The biggest reasons for induction are:

1) Post dates

2) Large babies

Scientific data does not prove that for either of these issues - which are not issues at all - that an induction is better or safest!

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