Induction of Labor and Pregnancy Termination for Termination for Fetal Abnormality INDUCTION OF LABOR Definition

Labor induction is the stimulation of regular uterine contractions before the spontaneous onset of labor, using mechanical or pharmacologic methods in order to generate progressive cervical dilation and subsequent delivery. Although the term generally refers to patients who are at term, it is also employed for women who are at least 20 weeks' gestation. It is important to distinguish labor induction from augmentation, which refers to stimulation of uterine contractions when spontaneous contractions during labor have been considered inadequate.