Augmentation of Labor

What is Augmentation of Labor

Augmentation of labor is when steps are taken to stimulate and strengthen contractions of the uterus during labor. This may be done when contractions have slowed down or stopped, delaying progress of labor and delivery of the baby.

Before beginning augmentation of labor, your health care provider will evaluate your condition, your baby’s condition, the size and position of your baby, and the size of your birth canal.

What are the reasons for labor augmentation?

Augmentation of labor may be needed when:

  • You are in labor but your contractions are weak or irregular.
  • You are in labor but your contractions have stopped.

What methods are used for labor augmentation?

Labor augmentation may be done by:

  • Giving medicine that stimulates contractions (oxytocin). This is given through an IV tube that is inserted into one of your veins.
  • Breaking the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the fetus (amniotic sac).

What are the risks associated with labor augmentation?

Some risks of labor augmentation include:

  • Too much stimulation of the contractions, resulting in continuous, prolonged, or very strong contractions.
  • Increased risk of infection for you and your baby.
  • Tearing (rupture) of the uterus.
  • Breaking off (abruption) of the placenta.
  • Increased risk of cesarean, forceps, or vacuum delivery.
  • Excessive bleeding after delivery (postpartum hemorrhage).
  • Death of the baby (fetal death).

What are some reasons for not doing labor augmentation?

Augmentation of labor should not be done if:

  • The baby is too big for the birth canal. This can be confirmed with an ultrasound.
  • The umbilical cord drops in front of the baby’s head or breech part (prolapsed cord).
  • You have had a cesarean delivery and you had a vertical incision or you do not know what type of incision you had.
  • You have had surgery on or into your uterus.
  • You have an active herpes outbreak.
  • You have cervical cancer.
  • The placenta blocks the opening of the cervix (placenta previa) or you have other condition that is blocking the cervix or vaginal outlet.
  • The baby is lying sideways.
  • Your pelvis is will not permit the passage of the baby.
  • You are carrying more than two babies.

Summary

  • Augmentation of labor is when steps are taken to stimulate and strengthen contractions of the uterus during labor. This may be done when contractions have slowed down or stopped, delaying progress of labor and delivery of the baby.
  • Labor augmentation may be done using medicine to stimulate contractions (oxytocin) or by breaking the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the fetus (amniotic sac).
  • Labor should not be augmented if you have had a cesarean delivery and you had a vertical incision or you do not know what type of incision you had.
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