Labor induction: a review of current methods

Mildred M Ramirez

doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2011.02.012

Labor induction: a review of current methods

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2011 Jun;38(2):215-25, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2011.02.012.

Author

Mildred M Ramirez¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA. mildred.m.ramirez@uth.tmc.edu

PMID: 21575797
DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2011.02.012

Abstract

This article reviews the essential criteria for inductions of labor, weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of labor induction, and the various mechanical and pharmacologic agents available for cervical ripening. At the end of this article, one should be able to counsel women about the potential risks and benefit of labor induction and understand the neonatal consequences of elective induction of labor before 39 weeks of gestation. This article also discusses the different mechanical and pharmacologic agents available for cervical ripening.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Female
Humans
Labor, Induced / adverse effects
Labor, Induced / methods*
Pregnancy
Treatment Outcome