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Induction of Labor

Master Induction of Labor with Picmonic

Confused about labor induction? Picmonic clears the picture! We use proven image mnemonics to explain reasons for induction, making childbirth knowledge stick. Learn visually, ditch the confusion!

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Induction of Labor

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Induction of Labor

Labor Induction-duck
Picmonic
Induction of labor is the stimulation of contractions using an external means, such as medications or surgical and mechanical methods. Labor is induced for multiple reasons; most that involve danger to the mother or fetus if the pregnancy was sustained for a longer duration of time and most commonly prolonged gestation. As with other medical procedures, the benefits of inducing labor must outweigh the risks of continuing without intervention.
9 KEY FACTS
INDICATIONS
Premature Rupture of Membranes
Premature Ruptured Membranes

If the amniotic sac membranes have ruptured and are verified using Nitrazine paper, fetal lung maturity is assessed. If the fetus is determined to be mature for delivery, labor is induced.

Danger to Fetus or Mother
Dangerous-claws threatening Fetus and Mother

Most pregnancies are induced if the danger to the fetus or mother is significant if continued. Possible indications include hypertensive emergencies such as preeclampsia and eclampsia, as well as other maternal medical problems including gestational diabetes and chorioamnionitis. Traumatic events also may be an indication for an induction.

Prolonged Gestation
Prolonged Pregnant-woman

Gestations that are prolonged are often induced for delivery on an elective basis. Elective induction of labor increases the risk of future deliveries to be cesarean.

CONTRAINDICATIONS
Placenta Abnormalities
Abnormal Placenta-present

Abnormalities in placental development such as placenta previa and abruptio placenta are delivered via cesarean and never induced for delivery as the potential for hemorrhage is high.

Transverse Fetal Position
Tranverse Fetal Position

Improper positioning of the infant into a transverse lie indicates that the shoulder would be the first presenting part during labor. Cesarean is indicated in all cases when found during delivery.

Prolapsed Umbilical Cord
Prolapsed Umbilical Cord

Prolapse of the umbilical cord after the rupture of membranes in an indication of cesarean delivery as compression of the umbilical cord during delivery would cause excess fetal stress and possibly death.

Active Genital Herpes Infection
Herpes-harp with Active Infection

Genital herpes infections that are active are an indication for cesarean delivery as it can be passed to the infant during passage through the birth canal. Herpes virus is a TORCH infection and may cause a systemic viral infection leading to brain damage.

Transfundal Uterine Incision
Train-funnel Uterine Incision

Previous incisions into the uterine muscle causes localized weakness and scarring after healing. Since scars are weaker areas of tissue, uterine contractions may cause rupture. Some types of incisions, like low transverse, allow patient to attempt to deliver vaginally. Due to the increased risk of intrapartum uterine rupture during labour following previous transfundal uterine incision, planned repeat cesarean birth is preferred in these instances.

Hemorrhage
Hemorrhage-hammer

Any hemorrhage or vaginal bleeding that has an unknown cause indicates cesarean delivery, as it could indicate placenta previa, abruptio placenta, or other vaginal trauma.

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