What does "induced labor" mean?

Mar 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, labor induction refers to a medical procedure in which uterine contractions are artificially induced to terminate a pregnancy due to maternal or fetal reasons. It is typically applicable for pregnancies beyond 12 weeks. In daily life, effective contraceptive measures should be taken, such as the correct use of condoms and oral contraceptives, to reduce the likelihood of unintended pregnancy.

Generally, labor induction refers to a medical method that uses artificial means to induce uterine contractions to terminate a pregnancy due to maternal or fetal reasons. It is typically applicable in cases of pregnancy beyond 12 weeks. Detailed analysis is as follows:

There are various methods of labor induction, including pharmaceutical induction and surgical induction. Commonly used medications for pharmaceutical induction include misoprostol tablets, mifepristone tablets, ethacridine lactate injection, among others. These medications induce uterine contractions to expel the fetus and associated tissues. Surgical induction may include procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C), which might be employed when the fetus is large or pharmaceutical induction is unsuitable. Induction of labor is usually performed when the pregnant woman suffers from severe illnesses, continuing the pregnancy may endanger her life, or when the fetus has serious malformations or developmental abnormalities, based on medical indications. However, labor induction also carries certain risks, such as bleeding, infection, uterine perforation, cervical injury, and may also cause psychological trauma to the woman.

In daily life, it is important to take contraceptive measures, correctly use methods such as condoms and oral contraceptives, or choose long-term contraceptive options like intrauterine devices (IUDs) according to individual circumstances, to reduce the likelihood of unintended pregnancy.

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How to best recuperate after induced labor

In general, there is no single best way to care for the body after induced labor. Post-induction body recovery should focus on adequate rest and sleep, proper dietary adjustments, maintaining personal hygiene, monitoring physical condition, and engaging in moderate activity and exercise. Women's bodies are typically weakened after induced labor and should avoid prolonged heavy physical labor or strenuous exercise during the recovery period.

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What precautions should be taken after induced labor?

Under normal circumstances, attention should be paid to dietary regulation, appropriate rest, personal hygiene, avoiding sexual intercourse, and regular follow-up examinations after induced labor. In addition, induced labor not only causes physical harm to women but may also have a certain psychological impact. Family members should provide more care and support to women after induced labor, help them divert their attention, and avoid dwelling on the trauma of the procedure.

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How to Promote Recovery After Induced Labor

Under normal circumstances, to promote post-operative recovery after induced abortion, patients require medication, massage therapy, dietary regulation, lifestyle adjustments, and maintenance of external genital hygiene. Before undergoing the induced abortion procedure, it is important to fully understand the surgical risks and precautions, and to adequately prepare beforehand. At the same time, patients should choose a qualified medical institution to ensure surgical safety.

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How many days after induced labor can one go out?

The time to go out after induced labor should be determined based on the gestational age and recovery status. For those with a shorter gestation period and good recovery, going out 1-2 weeks postpartum is acceptable, provided proper precautions are taken to avoid cold exposure or infection. For individuals with a longer gestation period or poor recovery, it is recommended to wait 30-40 days before going out, in order to avoid affecting recovery and causing adverse reactions.