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Infographic: Nmfotograf Istock\/Getty Images<\/span><\/p>\n 1.<\/strong>\u00a0Nipple Stimulation<\/strong>: This isn\u2019t as fun as it sounds! Nipple stimulation releases endogenous oxytocin which causes contractions. Nipple stimulation is best accomplished by applying a mechanical breast pump to both breasts. One problem with this method is once the stimulation is stopped, the oxytocin level drops, and contractions can also stop if labor wasn\u2019t fully established.\u00a0Time limit<\/strong>: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for up to 2 hours<\/p>\n 2<\/strong>.\u00a0Foley Balloon<\/strong>: Mechanical dilators, like the foley balloon or Cook cervical balloon, put pressure on the cervix, stretch the lower segment of the uterus, and indirectly release cervical softening hormones called prostaglandins. The end of the balloon can be attached to traction to aid in cervical dilation. Once the balloon comes out, the cervix is usually 3\u20135 centimeters dilated, though contractions will usually need to be stimulated to induce labor.\u00a0Time limit<\/strong>: 12\u201324 hours<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0Cervidil or Cytotec<\/strong>: These prostaglandin medications are placed directly behind your cervix to soften the cervix and help thin it out. Cytotec can be taken orally, which is great if the amniotic membranes are ruptured. Though the goal of these medications is to ripen a cervix for labor. Both are capable of producing contractions. Labor is more likely if you have had more than one baby.\u00a0Time limit<\/strong>: 12 hours for Cervidil; Cytotec is given every 3\u20134 hours for up to 3\u20134 doses<\/p>\n 4. Pitocin<\/strong>: Pitocin is the synthetic version of oxytocin. It is given through an IV and can be titrated to achieve an adequate contraction pattern. Pitocin is the most common method of induction or augmentation of labor and is rapidly cleared by the body once it is turned off. Pitocin can be given after delivery to prevent uterine atony and postpartum hemorrhage. While in labor, your nurse or healthcare provider will carefully monitor the fetal heart rate and contraction pattern to prevent complications.\u00a0Time limit<\/strong>: No time limit; postpartum complication risks increase with prolonged exposure (>24 hours) for some people.<\/p>\n Your provider should explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives for any induction process. Each pregnancy<\/a> is different so the method that worked for your first pregnancy may not be an option for future pregnancies.<\/p>\n Also, unless you have a medical condition validating an induction prior to 39 weeks gestation, your provider cannot induce labor. No matter how bad your back hurts or if your mom is coming in from out of town.<\/p>\n Trust the process and be patient!<\/p>\n \u00a0Article originally published on Medika Life<\/a><\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Blog Author: \u00a0Jen Rockhold- Certified Nurse-Midwife<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n
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