Common Labor Interventions and What To Expect From The Hospital

As a holistic birth doula in Philadelphia, I often get asked about common labor interventions. It’s important to know that while interventions may be suggested, understanding what they are can help you make informed decisions about your birth experience. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Inductions

Induction is the process of starting labor artificially, usually when there's a medical reason to encourage labor before it begins naturally. Common methods include medications like Pitocin or breaking your water (called AROM). While inductions can be necessary in some cases, they also come with risks, so it’s worth discussing your options with your provider.

2. Continuous Fetal Monitoring

CFM involves strapping sensors to your belly to track your baby's heart rate during labor. While it’s intended to ensure the baby is doing well, it can limit your movement and make it harder to change positions freely. Some hospitals offer intermittent monitoring, which allows for more mobility.

3. IV Fluids

Hospitals often encourage IV fluids during labor. These can be helpful, especially if you need hydration and you cannot keep anything down. If you can keep fluids down you can opt for a hep loc while staying hydrated with drinks like coconut water or electrolytes.

4. Cervical Exams

Throughout labor, your cervix can be checked every 4 hours to measure how far it’s dilated and how your baby is progressing. While this can give helpful information, frequent exams can introduce bacteria leading to a higher risk of infection. You can ask how often they’ll be done and if they’re truly needed at every point.

5. Pitocin

Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, used to either start or speed up labor. It can be effective but often makes contractions stronger and more painful. This can increase the likelihood of needing other interventions like epidurals.

6. Epidurals

An epidural is a common form of pain relief where medication is injected into your spine, numbing the lower part of your body. While it can provide relief, it may limit movement and increase the chances of needing additional interventions, like assisted delivery. It’s helpful to weigh the benefits and trade-offs based on your birth goals.

7. AROM (Artificial Rupture of Membranes)

This intervention involves breaking your water with a small tool to help speed up labor. It can be effective but comes with the risk of increasing the intensity of contractions and limiting your ability to labor at your own pace.

8. Assisted Delivery

If labor isn’t progressing or the baby needs help coming out, doctors may use tools like forceps or a vacuum to assist delivery. These are typically used in emergency situations when quick action is needed, but knowing this is a possibility helps you prepare mentally.

While these interventions are common in hospital births, the most important thing is that you feel empowered to ask questions and make informed choices. Remember, this is your birth experience, and you have the right to be part of the decision-making process every step of the way.

For a more in-depth explanation of these interventions and what to expect, I’ve made a YouTube video to help you feel prepared as you head into your birth. Whether you’re planning for a low-intervention birth or just want to understand your options, I’m here to support you on your journey!