Inducing labor can be a life-saving medical intervention when complications place a mother or baby at risk. However, when labor is induced unnecessarily or without proper medical justification, the risk of serious birth injuries increases significantly. In some cases, these preventable injuries may form the basis of a medical malpractice claim under Indiana law.
Understanding when induction is appropriate—and when it may violate accepted medical standards—is critical for protecting both maternal and infant health.
When Is Induction of Labor Medically Necessary?
In a typical pregnancy, labor begins naturally when the baby and mother are ready. However, doctors may recommend inducing labor when continuing the pregnancy poses a greater risk than delivery.
Medically accepted reasons for inducing labor may include:
- Pregnancy extending two weeks or more past the due date
- Ruptured membranes (water breaking) without the onset of contractions
- Low amniotic fluid levels
- Intrauterine growth restriction (baby not growing properly)
- Maternal or uterine infection
- Placental complications that threaten oxygen or nutrient delivery
When properly justified and managed, induction can prevent life-threatening outcomes. Problems arise when induction is performed for convenience, scheduling, or without adequate medical assessment.
How Doctors Evaluate Whether Induction Is Safe
Before inducing labor, physicians are expected to evaluate whether the mother’s body is prepared for delivery. One commonly used tool is the Bishop score, which rates cervical readiness on a scale from 1 to 13.
This score assesses:
- Cervical dilation
- Cervical consistency and position
- Baby’s position in the birth canal
- Cervical effacement
A low Bishop score generally indicates that induction may be unsafe or likely to fail. Proceeding with induction despite an unfavorable Bishop score may fall below the accepted standard of care, particularly if complications follow.
Common Birth Injury Risks Associated With Induced Labor
Improperly managed or unnecessary labor induction increases the likelihood of serious complications, including:
- Umbilical cord compression or prolapse can reduce oxygen to the baby.
- Reduced oxygen delivery to the baby can stress the baby’s brain and organs.
- Premature birth if labor is induced too early.
- Prolonged or excessive uterine contractions can cause complications.
These complications can result in permanent injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent at birth.
Risks of Using Pitocin
Pitocin is a medication that is commonly used to induce labor. Its use is risky. It is linked to preventable birth injuries because its effects are unpredictable. It is a synthetic form of oxytocin, a hormone that is normally produced during labor. Both Pitocin and oxytocin induce frequent, strong and long-lasting uterine contractions that are needed for delivery.
Because of its unpredictable nature, Pitocin is typically only used when continuing the pregnancy could threaten the lives of the baby or mother. The doctor will accurately assess the patient, including her Bishop score, to determine the correct dosage to use and whether the cervix is ready for labor.
When misused, Pitocin places the baby in danger because it interferes with healthy uterine contraction rhythms. When Pitocin causes contractions that are too strong, too long, or too frequent, the placenta may not be able to deliver adequate oxygen to the baby. This oxygen deprivation can lead to:
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Birth asphyxia
- Brain damage
- Developmental delays
- Cerebral palsy
These injuries are often preventable when Pitocin is administered appropriately and fetal distress is promptly recognized.
When Unnecessary Induction Becomes Medical Malpractice in Indiana
Under Indiana medical malpractice law, healthcare providers are required to follow accepted medical standards. A doctor may be held liable when:
- Labor is induced without a valid medical reason
- The Bishop score or patient readiness is ignored
- Pitocin dosage is improperly administered
- Signs of fetal distress are missed or disregarded
- Emergency intervention is delayed
If a baby or mother suffers injury due to these failures, families may have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, long-term care, and pain and suffering.
What Parents Can Do After a Birth Injury
If your child was injured following an induced labor, it is important to:
- Obtain complete medical records
- Preserve fetal monitoring strips
- Seek a review by qualified medical experts
- Speak with an attorney experienced in Indiana birth injury and medical malpractice cases
Early investigation is often critical, as Indiana law imposes strict procedural requirements and time limits on malpractice claims.
Speak With an Indiana Birth Injury Attorney
Unnecessary induction of labor can have lifelong consequences for children and families. When medical providers fail to follow accepted standards, they must be held accountable.
An experienced Indiana birth injury attorney can help determine whether medical negligence occurred and guide you through the legal process with compassion and clarity.
