Numerous women are confused about the excruciating pain of natural childbirth, so they decide to enter an induced labor.
Yet, many have still wondered: Is labor more painful when induced?
That’s why this article is created to solve your worry and present more details about this meaningful practice. Keep scrolling down for further information!
Is Labor More Painful When Induced?
The answer varies greatly, depending on each person’s capacity to tolerate the pain.
Before you undergo induced labor, doctors often inject you with an anesthetic as an effective method of relieving the suffering.
Then, they try to open your cervix and break your waters with the help of specialized tools.
This kicks off some contractions, which happen more quickly and become stronger over time. In this way, you will likely give birth more safely.
Indeed, the process of inducing labor seems more painful, as it involves many forces and external interventions.
And during this period, you are not allowed to move around because your baby needs to be closely monitored, so you can feel utterly uncomfortable.
But with the assistance of an anesthetic and an obstetrician’s excellent expertise and skills, I’m sure everything will be fine.
What Are The Differences Between An Induced And A Natural Labor?
Below are some divergences between inducing vs natural labor for you to consider.
Labor Hormones
When you go into labor spontaneously, a hormone called oxytocin will be released to facilitate your birth process.
It is functional at stimulating the intensity of contractions by unlocking your uterus’s receptors.
But if you are induced, the oxytocin’s release will happen beforehand. Your body is not ready at that time, so the number of available receptors in your uterus contract is limited.
The Movement During Labor
In natural labour, pregnant women are allowed to lie in their favorite positions or have the most comfortable posture, ready for childbirth.
However, during an induced labor, you will be attached to an IV drip to monitor your baby intermittently.
This greatly hinders your movements because you must keep it immobile and avoid falling.
The Fetal Ejection Reflex
If you are unclear about this term, the fetal ejection reflex is an uncontrollable and powerful force of your body to push your baby.
During natural labour, the urge is powerful thanks to a surging level of oxytocin and the flood of other hormones.
Yet, when you enter an induced parturition, you might not experience a fetal ejection reflex because the hormone’s number is insufficient.
Natural Oxytocin’s Operation
If you give birth without prior interventions, the oxytocin will produce a substance named placenta.
This is important to keep your baby safe by protecting its brain and averting possible damage.
But, this does not occur in induced labor due to a lack of necessary oxytocin.
The Third Stage Of Labor
The natural third labor stage refers to a time when your body heals after a laborious childbirth.
Your exposed blood vessels would be clamped, and any signs of postpartum bleeding would be diminished.
This is attributed to oxytocin, a love hormone, which is good at healing your body and bringing pleasing comfort. But in induced labor, the stage does not always occur.
In What Situations Should You Induce Labor?
You should not induce labor in every case because this practice does not bring many benefits like natural parturition.
Yet, it is recommended in the following circumstances that you should pay close attention to.
If You Are Overdue
If you have surpassed the required time of typical labor, about 40 weeks of pregnancy, you should go along with induction of labour.
Overdue problems could be a sign of some potential issues with your babies. So induced work, with the help of professional doctors, is advisable.
If Your Waters Break Early
Suppose your water breaks more than 24 hours before labor begins; a potential risk of infection is apparent.
This time, induced parturition should be undertaken with the purpose of securing your babies’ health.
Another approach is expectant management. Doctors will examine you, together with your baby’s overall health conditions, and decide whether your pregnancy can naturally progress or not.
If You And Your Baby Have Health Issues
After checking your medical conditions, obstetricians will suggest methods of induction if they figure something wrong.
Some dangerous problems include high blood pressure, increased heart rate, gestational diabetes, or intrahepatic cholestasis.
What To Expect When Being Induced?
Before the early labor induction, you might be provided a membrane sweep or a cervical sweep that aids the procedure.
Having a membrane sweep does not hurt much, yet you may feel uncomfortable and experience slight bleeding.
Don’t be too scared because panic. Since labor is painful, you must relax, take deep breaths, and mentally prepare for the upcoming vaginal birth.
After your pregnancy, you will enjoy the happiest moment of your life by seeing your lovely baby.
Then, you need to take a nap, and healthcare teams will take regular check-ups to ensure that nothing is abnormal with your well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Medical Complications With Induction?
Yes, the risk of complications includes uterine hyperstimulation, rendering extremely long and regular contractions.
Under a few circumstances, you may also be affected by a great hormone oxytocin drip, as I mentioned earlier.
Can You Have Pain Relief During Induced Labor?
Yes, for sure.
You will be served a full range of pills, drugs, or even injections to alleviate the long-lasting discomfort induced by intense uterine contractions.
The labor pain is often compared to miscarriage pain, so during this process, doctors also prescribe several painkillers for you, so don’t worry too much.
What Happens If The Induction Process Does Not Work?
Sometimes, elective induction does not prove its effectiveness. In worse scenarios, it is conducive to side effects and wreaks havoc on your health.
For that reason, qualified obstetricians will perform another method, such as an emergency cesarean.
The Bottom Line
This post has offered a satisfying answer to the question: Is labor more painful when induced? This depends on each pregnant woman’s ability to tolerate the pain.
Now, you have gained deeper insights into this practice by understanding the differences between induced parturition and spontaneous labor and its side effects.
I hope you find this article helpful and enjoy reading it.
