Understanding Your Options
As long as you have had a healthy pregnancy and your care provider doesn’t believe you or your baby is in danger; you absolutely have the option to say NO to an induction or ask to have more time for your body to go into labor on its own.
Common medical reasons for induction:
- High blood pressure
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational Diabetes
- Problems with placenta
- Infection
- Baby is in distress
- Water breaks before labor begins
- Other medical issues
Reasons for induction, that aren’t necessarily medical emergencies:
- Your baby is big
- You’re over the age of 34
- Your baby is due close to a holiday
- Your provider always gives everyone the option
- You are a couple of days over your estimated due date
What To Ask Your Care Provider
WHAT IS MY BISHOP SCORE?
What is a Bishop Score?
The Bishop score is to rate the readiness of the cervix for labor. With this scoring system, a number ranging from 0–13 is given to rate the condition of the cervix. A Bishop score of less than 6 means that your cervix may not be ready for labor.
Why you should know:
Knowledge is POWER. Feel more empowered with your choices by getting more information from your provider. You can know how ready your body is for labor and the likelihood that your induction will successful.
How AWESOME is that?!!
Natural & Medical Options For Induction
Natural Induction Options*:
- Walking or low impact exercise
- Sex
- Nipple stimulation
- Acupuncture or Acupressure
- Chiropractic Care or Massage
- Eating Dates**
- Castor Oil**
- Red Leaf Tea**
Medical Induction Options ***:
- Membrane Sweep
- Foley bulb
- Prostaglandin Gels/Suppositories
- Misoprostol (Cytotec)
- Breaking the Bag of Water
- Pitocin
*Talk with your medical provider before exploring natural options for induction
**Never ingest anything to start labor until you speak with your medical provider
***Talk with your care provider on what medical inductions options they believe will work best for you and your baby
