More Evidence Against Routine Inductionby Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger 12 May 2009 03:22 PM A growing number of doctors have been advocating routine inductions in their patients. In some practices, this is standard procedure at 41 weeks. It was for my OB, but fortunately, I went into labor 8 days late, on the day I was to go in to "discuss" induction. In other practices, doctors routinely induce patients for various reasons, including the belief the baby is growing too large, there is low fluid or the mother is diabetic. Natural birth advocates and many midwives have long warned against routine inductions. They cite several problems that can arise from routine induction. Many worry that induction will prevent them from having the natural birth they have been planning. Several prior studies have shown this is true. Induction increases the likelihood a woman will need to have other medical interventions during the birth, including forceps, vacuum extraction and even c section. Another problem with routine induction, long warned of by birth advocates and now confirmed in this study, is being sure about the dates. It is important for women and health care providers to realize the due date is merely an estimate. The date can be two weeks in either direction. Routine induction poses a risk of accidentally inducing a baby that is younger than expected, which can result in a preterm birth. The study, published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology looked specifically at routine induction. The participants in the study were first time mothers who participated in a 2005 survey that were induced because the doctor believed the baby was growing too big, although they had not yet reached their due dates. The results showed that inducing women prior to their due date increased the chances of a poor outcome for the mother and baby. Researchers point to the fact that the best place for the baby to stay is in the womb until they are fully developed and ready to be born. In the BJOG paper, the researchers say there are still benefits to induction for women beyond 41 weeks and those with ruptured membranes who have not delivered or started labor. Related Articles: When Labor Needs to Be Induced Learn more about Pattie Hughes  Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. Relevantpregnancy tags User Comments AggieGal (60) 13 May 2009 10:06 AMThis was refreshing for me to read today. My due date is on Friday (I'm a little impatient...I'm ready to have this kid!). Last week we asked the doctor about induction and he said he would not recommend it right now because I wasn't progressing at all. After telling people at work this news, most were absolutely shocked that there is a doctor that won't induce a week before the due date. All I hear now is that I'm in charge and I can tell my doctor what I want. However, I trust my doctor, and I'd rather be 2 weeks late than have other complications just because I'm impatient. It's just nice to hear from someone else that it's not always the best option. Discuss this article
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