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Statistically speaking, induction rates have reached an all time high. Studies show that the rate of induction has more than doubled since 1989, landing at 20% in 2001. There is a great deal of speculation on whether this is an accurate estimate. A more realistic figure is that at least 40% of all labors are initiated by artificial means. This is a far cry from the suggested rate of induction recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which stands at 10%. Their more conservative recommendation makes sense when one considers that when compared to beginning labor spontaneously, first time mothers have twice as likely a chance of receiving a cesarean section as a direct result of induction.

Any method used to artificially induce or augment labor carries the risk of over-stimulating the uterus (making contractions too long, too strong, and too close together), causing fetal distress. These artificial contractions are also more painful for mom than her natural labor pattern. Another factor that automatically comes with any artificial induction method is layered interventions. This means that once you begin one intervention, a snowball effect begins that is hard to end. Once you are given any inducing agent, an IV will be in place, you will be forced to be on continuous electronic fetal monitoring, and confined to bed. All of these things contribute to a greater need or desire for anesthesia. A final risk is the incidence of uterine rupture. Moms striving for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) have a slightly higher chance of uterine rupture with the use of pitocin and a significantly higher risk with the use of prostaglandins, including Cytotec.

Cytotec (Misoprostol) – This medication is indicated for treating ulcers and has developed a popular off-label use as a cervical ripening agent. This drug was never intended for induction use. The FDA warns the serious risks associated with Cytotec use for induction are: severe uterine hyperstimulation resulting in fetal distress, uterine rupture, retained placenta, amniotic fluid embolism (amniotic fluid, fetal cells, and hair enter the mother's blood stream, usually resulting in cardiac arrest and death), baby passing meconium while still in the uterus (a result of the distress from Cytotec), and maternal and/or fetal death. Because this drug comes in the form of a small pill, it cannot be reversed or reduced in the event of adverse effects.

Prostaglandin (Prepidil, Cervidil) – These are administered in the form of a gel or tampon-like agent used to ripen the cervix. Prostaglandins have been known to cause over-stimulation of the uterus leading to fetal distress. In the event of adverse effects, prostaglandins cannot be reversed or reduced unless given in tampon form (Cervidil).

Pitocin (Synthetic form of Oxytocin) – Administered via intravenous fluids, pitocin carries a common risk of over-stimulating the uterus, which may lead to fetal distress. Other risks associated with pitocin use are postpartum hemorrhage, greater probability of newborn jaundice, uterine rupture, and rarely maternal or fetal death.

1. First and foremost...JUST SAY NO! But here are some more suggestions if you need them...
2. Be patient.
3. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally to be pregnant until at least 5 full days past your Woods' method due date.
4. Stress your desire to not be induced to your care provider as often as you can.
5. If you are past your doctor's due date, try negotiating with your doctor so they are comfortable with you remaining pregnant. Sometimes non-stress tests allow your doctor to relax and take a wait-and-see approach.
6. If you are either one full week past you Naegle's due date or at your Woods' due date, consider natural methods to bring on labor only if you are facing extreme pressure for a hospital induction.
7. In the last week or two before your due date, make extra effort to be intimate with your partner, paying special attention to include nipple stimulation in your love making and also to achieve orgasm. The act of sexual intimacy can encourage labor very effectively for many reasons. Besides allowing mom to relax and open her body, intimacy is a technique sworn by midwives for ages to help labor along. Nipple stimulation releases oxytocin, which stimulates the uterus. Reaching orgasm naturally causes the uterus to contract, which may encourage labor if the cervix is ready. Finally, semen acts as a very effective ripening agent for the cervix.
8. Another consideration for the last couple of weeks in pregnancy is the occasional glass of wine in the evening to relax tired muscles since tension can stave off labor to a degree. A good way to follow a relaxing glass of wine is with a long, relaxing bath or shower.