QuestionI am overdue with my second pregnancy and realised that i don't know much about medical induction. I believe that my two options are prostaglandin gel or pessary or an oxytocin drip. The gel or pessary seems slightly more appealing to me as i could keep active (if im right in thinking this) however i do not know that pros and cons and risks involved with either. Could you fill me in? Im in the UK by the way. Thank you!
AnswerI sincerely apologize. I didn't receive notification that this question was waiting for me today and then my browser closed before it finished sending.
Below I will list the pros, cons, and risks of each.
Prostglandin gel
PROS
* Freedom of movement
* Helps labor along naturally so the labor itself will still progress normally.
* Does not require labor management so your labor can still be mother-lead.
* Works very well with other natural labor induction methods (sweeping membranes, hot shower, nipple stimulation, eating foods such as curry, basil, and oregano, etc.).
* Research shows that labor stimulated in this way can produce healthier babies and easier labors than oxytocin.
CONS
* Only ripens the cervix- it does not force labor.
RISKS
* Some women experience nausea or diarrhea but this usually passes quickly.
Oxytocin drip
PROS
* Stimulates labor when nothing else will.
* Often administered throughout the labor to assist it
CONS
* Artificially augments labor so contractions are more intense and come faster, often facilitating the need for pain medication and further medical intervention
* Requires managed care and constant monitoring
* Restricts movement as you're hooked up to an IV drip.
RISKS
* Can raise the risk for a cesarean section, especially when used in conjunction with an epidural
* When administered improperly, can cause rupture of the uterus, placental abruption, or cord prolapse
* Stronger contractions may cause fetal or maternal distress.
Hopefully my answer will send this time!
Some links you might want to visit:
http://medind.nic.in/imvw/imvw4516.html
http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=16783
Congratulations on your upcoming birth! Please let me know if I can help you with anything else.
Best wishes,
Helen =)
