Inducing Labor with Artificial Rupture of Membranes

Pregnant women at or past term may be scheduled for an induction by their doctor or midwife. One option for inducing labor is artificial rupture of membranes, or breaking your water. Most midwives or doctors prefer to combine this method with a pitocin drip.

When you could be induced with an artificial rupture of membranes

In a mother already showing signs of labor, an artificial rupture of membranes can be enough to start labor. Signs of labor that favor inducing labor by breaking the bag of water include cervical dilation and effacement, contractions, The danger in this is if the mother has her water broken and then 24 hours pass. The risk of infection increases after 24 hours.

Inducing labor by breaking the bag of water in a slowly laboring woman can encourage the labor to progress more quickly.

Why you might not be induced with an artificial rupture of membranes

Inducing labor by breaking the bag of waters is rarely successful unless your body is ready to begin labor. If your cervix is unripe breaking your water will not be enough to begin labor. To prepare you, your midwife might strip the membranes at your weekly prenatal appointments. Stripping the membranes can only be done if your cervix has dilated enough for your midwife to insert a finger between the bag of waters and the cervix. This can happen if you are dilated over one to two centimeters.

If your baby has not dropped into the pelvis, you should not have your water broken, as this can cause problems such as a prolapsed cord. Your doctor or midwife will check where your baby is stationed before breaking the water to prevent this from happening.

How an artificial rupture of membranes works

To break the bag of waters, your doctor will use a tool that looks similar to a knitting needle. This tool is put in past the cervix to break the bag of waters. It is not dangerous to your baby when your water is broken.

Breaking the bag of water can start contractions, but using an artificial rupture of membranes to induce labor will be more effective if the mother is already having contractions. You may be able to start contractions using a certain pressure point. Find more about this here.

If you are scheduled to be induced, you can request an artificial rupture of membranes induction. If your conditions are favorable, your doctor may agree, or may wish to pair this with another method. Your cervix will need to be ripe, anterior(towards the front of your body) and partially dilated and effaced. You can request to have your water broken and then wait a few hours to see if labor begins without a pitocin drip.

Sources:

Simkin, Penny, P.T, Janet Whalley, R.N., B.S.N., Ann Kepler, R.N., M.N. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn-The Complete Guide. Minnetonka, MN: Meadowbrook Press.