Induction of Labor and Termination of the Previable Pregnancy

Chapter 60 - Induction of Labor and Termination of the Previable Pregnancy

from Section 6 - Late Prenatal – Obstetric Problems

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 November 2017

Luis Sanchez-Ramos and

Edited by

Bernard Gonik and

David James: Affiliation:
University of Nottingham
Philip Steer: Affiliation:
Imperial College London
Carl Weiner: Affiliation:
University of Kansas
Bernard Gonik: Affiliation:
Wayne State University, Detroit
Stephen Robson: Affiliation:
University of Newcastle

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Summary

Labor induction is the stimulation of regular uterine contractions before the spontaneous onset of labor, using mechanical or pharmacologic methods in order to generate progressive cervical dilatation and subsequent delivery. Although the term generally refers to patients who are at term, it is also employed for women from 20 weeks’ gestation. It is important to distinguish labor induction from augmentation, which refers to stimulation of uterine contractions when spontaneous contractions during labor have been considered inadequate.

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Type: Chapter
Information: High-Risk Pregnancy
Management Options
, pp. 1708 - 1748

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108349185 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

First published in: 2017

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