Augmentation of labour

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     Augmentation of labour and how it.    differs from induction

     Occasionally a labour needs to be augmented, or sped up, in order to protect mother or baby. Here’s how augmentation of labour works, and why it’s sometimes recommended.

 

       The word ‘augment’ means to ‘increase or enlarge’. The augmentation of labour is an intervention that is intended to increase the intensity of labour, usually when the caregiver feels the labour is not ‘progressing’, or is progressing too slowly.

       Augmentation of labour differs from induction, in that the labour has already started in some way, but is not progressing, has slowed or stopped. This can also include interventions to stimulate contractions after the waters have broken on their own (although some caregivers will refer to this as an induction).

       Augmenting the labour involves artificial stimulation of the contractions. This may be needed if the contractions have become weak, not coordinated (or irregular), far apart, not lasting long enough or have ceased for a period. If the labour needs augmenting, it means the contractions are not efficient enough to dilate the cervix.

        A labour can be augmented by medical interventions and / or natural therapies. Whatever is used, the chosen method is aimed at strengthening, coordinating and / or increasing the frequency of the contractions, so that the labour continues until the cervix is fully dilated and the baby is born.

        Medical methods to stimulate labour for augmentation can be mechanical (such as breaking the waters) or pharmacological (or medications). Sometimes augmentation will entail a combination of these methods, to optimise the labour’s progress. Natural therapies will vary, depending on the woman’s preferences.

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