As your due date approaches, you may find yourself eagerly anticipating the arrival of your little one. However, if your pregnancy continues past your due date or if there are medical reasons for induction, you may be faced with the prospect of being induced. Induction is a standard procedure to start labour artificially when it doesn’t begin spontaneously. If you’re preparing for induction, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about what to expect. Here’s a guide to help you understand what happens before being induced:
Medical Assessment
Before scheduling an induction, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical assessment to determine if induction is necessary and safe for you and your baby. This assessment may include a physical examination, ultrasound, fetal monitoring, and reviewing your medical history and pregnancy progress. Your healthcare provider will discuss the reasons for induction, risks, benefits, and alternatives and answer any questions you may have.
Preparation and Planning
Once the decision to induce labour is made, your healthcare provider will work with you to create an induction plan. This may involve scheduling an induction date and discussing the timing, methods, and procedures. Your healthcare provider will also provide instructions on what to expect before, during, and after induction, including any preparation steps you may need to take, such as fasting or medication adjustments.
Cervical Ripening
In preparation for induction, your cervix may need to be softened or ripened to make it more favourable for labour. This can be done using medications or procedures such as prostaglandin gel, cervical ripening balloons, or a cervical ripening agent inserted into the vagina. Cervical ripening helps to stimulate contractions and encourage cervical dilation, making it easier for labour to progress once induction begins.
Monitoring and Fetal Assessment
Throughout the induction process, you and your baby will be closely monitored to ensure your safety and well-being. Fetal monitoring may include continuous electronic or intermittent monitoring using a handheld Doppler device to assess your baby’s heart rate and response to contractions. Your healthcare provider will also monitor your vital signs, uterine activity, and labour progress to ensure everything is progressing as expected.
Ongoing Communication and Support
As you prepare for induction, you must maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and express any concerns or preferences you may have. Your healthcare team supports you every step of the way and addresses any questions or anxieties you may have about the induction process. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or additional information if needed, and lean on your partner, family, or support network for emotional support during this time.
Emotional Preparation
Being induced can bring up a range of emotions, including excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and apprehension. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions as you prepare for induction and approach the birth of your baby. Take time to acknowledge and process your feelings, and contact your healthcare provider, partner, or counsellor if you need additional support or guidance. Remember that you’re not alone, and your healthcare team is there to support you throughout the induction process.
In conclusion, being induced is a standard procedure used to start labour artificially when it doesn’t begin spontaneously. Before being induced, you can expect a thorough medical assessment, preparation and planning with your healthcare provider, cervical ripening to prepare the cervix for labour, ongoing monitoring and fetal assessment, and ongoing communication and support from your healthcare team. While preparing for induction can bring up a range of emotions, it’s essential to stay informed, communicate openly with your healthcare provider, and lean on your support network for emotional support. By understanding what to expect before being induced, you can approach the process with confidence and peace of mind as you prepare to welcome your little one into the world.