Induced labor

Labor can be started (induced) by giving a pregnant woman oxytocin, a medication that starts uterine contractions. Oxytocin is given through a vein (intravenously or IV).

Other medications, such as prostaglandin E gel or misoprostil, may also be applied in the vagina to help soften and widen the opening to the uterus (cervix).

Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: November 2, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine
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