INDUCTION OF LABOR, UPDATED 1ST EDITION

Course overview

Induction of labor is the use of pharmacological or mechanical means to stimulate uterine contractions before the onset of spontaneous labor. This is done when the continuation of pregnancy jeopardizes the mother or the fetus, as is the case in preeclampsia or postterm pregnancy. Induction of labor has become a common intervention in the United States. The rate for induced labor more than doubled from 1990 (9.6%) to 2010 (23.8%) for all gestational age groups except postterm births, which rose to 90%. Although not dramatic, data from 2011 (23.7%) and 2012 (23.3%) were significant in showing the first overall decreases in induction rates in decades (Osterman & Martin, 2014). Induction rates vary widely among individual providers and among institutions (Luthy, Malmgren, & Zingheim, 2004), exceeding 50% in some community hospitals (Beebe et al., 2000). This course describes methods of labor induction and patient care during induction in order to update registered nurses working in perinatal medicine and labor and delivery. The physiology of spontaneous and induced labor is discussed, as are the reasons for induction, controversies regarding the procedure, and special considerations for women with a scarred uterus. The course may also be helpful to nurses employed in physicians¿ offices, outpatient clinics, and community settings who educate gestational women about labor induction. Advanced practice nurses may find the course helpful as a review.