The cons of getting induced are having stronger and possibly more painful contractions as well as an increased need interventions like forceps or C-section.
Other cons of getting induced include a higher risk of postpartum bleeding, fetal distress like low heart rate and oxygen, infection and potential for uterine rupture.
Getting induced can also be a long and tiring process with less freedom of movement due to continuous monitoring.
Getting induced also increases the risk of the umbilical cord getting compressed and if gestational age is overestimated, induction may bring a baby out too early and risk breathing and feeding issues.
It's often better to wait for labor in pregnancy to occur naturally, unless you're at risk of complications.
Also studies also suggest that elective induction of labor during pregnancy around 39 weeks is often safer than waiting past the 40 weeks, which can reduce risks like high blood pressure, "preeclampsia", stillbirth and large babies and it can also potentially lower C section rates.
However induced labor can also be more intense and longer initially.
Any medical conditions, your baby's health or placental issues often also necessitate induction of labor.
Although the choice of being induced or waiting for healthy pregnancies, involves you weighing the benefits like better outcomes for baby and mom against any potential discomforts like stronger contractions.
Before going to the hospital you will be between 4 to 6 centimeters or cm dilated, with strong and regular contractions, although it also depends on your doctor's advice and how far you're away from the hospital and if your water breaks.
If you're currently in early labor and less than 4 to 6 cm dilated, you may be sent home to wait for stronger contractions, although having any decreased baby movement, significant bleeding or your water breaking during pregnancy are all good reasons to go to the hospital.
Active labor is when you're around 4 to 6 cm dilated, with contractions that come every few minutes and lasting longer and feeling stronger.
If your water breaks, even without any contractions you should go to the hospital and if you have significant bleeding like a heavy period or you notice significant drops in the activity and movement of your baby you should go to the hospital immediately.
Another good rule to follow to tell you when to go to the hospital for labor is the 3-2-1 rule in pregnancy which is also a guideline that helps you know when you should go to the hospital for labor, which means that when contractions are 3 minutes apart, last around 2 minutes or a minute and longer, for at least 1 hour and you can't talk or walk through the contractions you should go to the hospital.
The 3-2-1 rule in pregnancy and contractions occurring at these times is a signal for active labor, although other variations of this rule also exist like the 5-1-1 rule.
The 5-1-1 rule in pregnancy which is a common guideline that is used in late pregnancy to help you determine when you should go to the hospital or birthing center for true labor.
The numbers 5-1-1 refer to the frequency, duration and consistency of your contractions.
At 5 minutes apart, contractions are coming every 5 minutes, which is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next contraction.
1 minute long, each contraction lasts for a full minute.
And 1 hour long, the contractions have consistently followed the 5-1-1 pattern for at least 1 hour.
However this 5-1-1 rule is a general guideline and not a strict rule or instruction.
You should also discuss with your doctor or OB-GYN or midwife in advance on when you should head to the hospital for the labor.
A high risk pregnancy or a previous rapid birth might require different timing.
And true labor contractions will get progressively longer, stronger and closer together and will not stop with rest or changes in position.
False labor or Braxton Hicks contractions are often irregular and may also ease up if you do move around.
Some doctors also recommend variations like the 4-1-1 rule or the 3-1-1 rule, which indicates the contractions are 4 or 3 minutes apart, respectively lasting one minute for an hour and regardless of the pattern of contractions, you should also call your doctor or get to the hospital immediately if your water does break or you experience any heavy vaginal bleeding, or you notice any significant decrease in your baby's movement.