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Plan to induce labor
If you are having a healthy pregnancy, you will normally simply wait for labor to begin. Induction of labor is planned only if you reach 42 weeks of pregnancy and labor has not started on its own. There are medical indications to induce labor before 42 weeks. For example, if your placenta begins to fail, or if you develop a medical condition such as eclampsia or HELLP syndrome, then your doctor may wish to induce labor right away. The method of induction depends on how far along you are, and whether your cervix has already thinned or begun to open. Usually, an intravenous medication will be given that induces labor.
Dr. Jeff Livingston reviewed this
24 year experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology
How long it usually lasts:
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