Starting and Inducing Labor
December 19, 2008
 You've survived the last nine months of pregnancy - congratulations! While for some it might have been a walk in the park, for others it can be frustratingly uncomfortable, with morning sickness, fatigue and the dreaded stretch marks. I fell somewhere within the first with my first, and the second with my second. And now, as I approach the final weeks of pregnancy, my mind is on the labor process. Starting labor is different for everyone - some women begin feeling symptoms weeks ahead of time, such as the "lightening" or dropping of the baby down into the pelvis and the frantic need to clean the entire house, known as nesting. Others might not know what hit them until the contractions are regular and close. Still others might need a little help, which is where induction comes in. In general, the physical signs of approaching labor can include:
Induction, on the other hand, can include a variety of medical procedures. Generally, your OB/gyn will schedule an induction to take place at the hospital up to a week prior to your due date or a few days after you are due to give birth. The induction can include breaking your bag of water or pitocin to get contractions started or to increase the strength or duration of contractions. Whether you begin the process of labor naturally or are medically induced, you should be prepared for labor well ahead of time. Read up on the various stages of labor, pack your hospital bag and - especially during your first pregnancy - attend any classes offered at your hospital or by your health care provider on labor and delivery. In addition, if a tour of the labor, delivery and post-partum departments of your local hospital is offered, take advantage so that you can familiarize yourself with the facility, as well as the staff who will be assisting you during your labor and delivery. 
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