Why do doctors suggest electives inductions? So many of my clients tell me that around 36 weeks they hear their doctors mention, encourage, recommended elective induction. I call it the induction seduction, sometimes especially for women older than 35 years or clients with IVFs pregnancy the seduction starts earlier.
In the medical field, "elective induction" refers to the decision to induce labor before the pregnancy reaches full term (37 weeks or later) for non-medical reasons.
Doctors may suggest elective induction for a variety of reasons, including:
Convenience: The due date is never certain and parents may want to schedule the birth for a specific date, or doctors want to schedule it because they are going on vacation, there is a holiday coming up (Christmas, New Year etc.) and frankly it does make the life of a doctor easier, as well as family planning such a postpartum support etc.
Logistics: The parents may live far away from the hospital or have other responsibilities that make it difficult for them to wait until labor starts naturally.
Medical reasons: Some medical conditions such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, or other pregnancy complications that may require induction of labor.
It is important to note that elective induction carries certain risks, such as increased likelihood of a cesarean section and higher rates of fetal distress.
Inducing labor, whether at 39 weeks or earlier, is generally not recommended unless there is a medical necessity. This is because induction carries certain risks and may not always be successful. Some of the reasons why induction may not be a good choice unless there is a medical necessity include:
• Induced labor can be more painful than natural labor. The contractions caused by synthetic oxytocin, which is often used to induce labor, can be more intense than those caused by the body's natural oxytocin.
• Induced labor may take longer than natural labor, which can be tiring for the mother.
• Induction may not be successful, and in some cases, it may lead to a cesarean delivery.
• Induction increases the risk of certain complications, such as infection, bleeding, and uterine rupture. It is important to note that every pregnancy and every woman is different, and what may be the best option for one woman may not be the best option for another.
Let's talk about the consequences of Pitocin:
Pitocin, also known as oxytocin, is a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin that is used to induce labor or augment labor that is already in progress. There have been studies that have raised concerns about the use of Pitocin during labor, as it may increase the risk of certain complications. Some of these studies have suggested that the use of Pitocin may be associated with an increased risk of:
Cesarean delivery
Fetal distress
Uterine hyperstimulation
Postpartum hemorrhage
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions
Adverse effects on breastfeeding
It's important to note that Pitocin has been widely used for decades and has been proven to be effective in many cases. However, it's important for doctors to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of Pitocin before using it, and to monitor its effects closely during labor. It is important for the woman to have an open and honest conversation with her obstetrician or midwife to understand the risks and benefits of induction and to make an informed decision that is best for her and her baby.It's crucial that you discuss the pros and cons of induction with your healthcare provider, and take into consideration your own health, preferences, and the health of your baby.
Psychological negative effects of pitocin
There have been studies that have suggested that the use of Pitocin during labor may have negative psychological effects on women. Some of these studies have found that women who received Pitocin during labor were more likely to report:
Negative birth experiences
Postpartum depression
Trauma
Dissatisfaction with their childbirth experience
Difficulty bonding with their baby
It's important to note that these findings are not conclusive and more research is needed to understand the relationship between Pitocin and psychological well-being. Some of the studies may be affected by bias, sample size, and other factors.
It's also important to note that labor and delivery can be a challenging and emotional experience regardless of the mode of delivery, and it's normal for women to experience a range of emotions after giving birth. It's important for women to have access to support and resources to help them process their birth experience and to ensure their mental health is taken care of.
It's also worth noting that the use of Pitocin is not the only factor in birth experience, and the mother's birth plan, the environment, the care providers, and the mother's emotional and physical well-being before and during labor are also important factors.
In general, it is recommended to wait for labor to begin naturally, unless there is a medical reason to induce labor, such as a concern for the health of the mother or the baby.