What is the term used for the medical procedure to induce labor?

The term used for the medical procedure to induce labor is induction. Induction of labor involves the use of medications or other methods to stimulate uterine contractions before spontaneous labor begins. This can be necessary for various medical reasons, such as when the health of the mother or baby is at risk or when the pregnancy extends significantly past the due date.

Induction is distinct from augmentation, which refers to enhancing or strengthening contractions that have already begun rather than starting labor. Therefore, induction specifically addresses the initiation of labor under controlled conditions. Understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial for comprehending labor management processes in obstetrics.