Labor Induction and Augmentation - Topic Overview As the end of
pregnancy nears, the cervix normally becomes soft (ripe) and
begins to open (dilate) and thin (efface), preparing for labor
and delivery. When labor does not naturally start on its own and
vaginal delivery needs to happen soon, labor may be started
artificially (induced). Even though inducing labor is a fairly
common practice, childbirth educators encourage women to learn
about it and about the medicine for stimulating a stalled labor
(augmentation) so that the women can help decide what is right
for them. When labor is induced for medical reasons, it is
usually because it?s safer for you to have the baby now rather
than risk further problems from staying pregnant. Your labor may
be induced for one of the - Your pregnancy has gone 1 to 2 weeks
past the estimated due date. - You have a condition (such as
high blood pressure, placenta abruptio, infection, lung disease,
diabetes) that may threaten your health or the health of your
baby if the pregna