How Long Does It Take to Deliver After Using Cervical Medication for Induction of Labor?

Generally speaking, it takes about half an hour to two hours for cervical medication to induce labor, and some mothers may need longer time. Therefore, it is advisable to wait patiently, not to be too anxious, breathe evenly, and adjust your mindset to wait for the arrival of your baby.

1. When there is intrauterine growth retardation, postmature pregnancy with a risk of hemolysis, or placental dysfunction, doctors will decide the timing of induction based on fetal movement, fetal heart monitoring, and amniotic fluid volume on B-ultrasound. Induction of labor should be arranged when the amniotic fluid depth is less than 3cm and fetal movement is less than three times per hour, and oxytocin will be used during the induction process.

2. During labor, if the mother experiences contractions but the amniotic fluid is expelled repeatedly and the baby fails to descend in a timely manner, oxytocin may be injected. Additionally, oxytocin is also needed in cases of uterine hypotonia or uncoordinated uterine contractions.

The dosage of oxytocin should be strictly followed according to the drug instructions to achieve the desired outcome of labor.

3. Postpartum lactation: When a woman is breastfeeding, the mammary glands can continuously secrete a large amount of milk under the action of oxytocin and store it in the alveolar cells. At this time, oxytocin causes the contraction of myoepithelial cells surrounding the alveolar cells, promoting milk ejection from the mammary glands.

4. Hemostasis: Oxytocin has hemostatic functions similar to a bandage. The principle is also very similar, mainly by externally compressing the damaged vessels to achieve hemostasis. After injection of oxytocin, the uterine muscle layer slowly contracts under the action of the drug, and the contractile force closes the open vessels in the uterine cavity to prevent blood loss.