Induction of labor is a medical procedure that involves using medications or other methods to stimulate contractions and start labor. While there are many valid medical reasons for inducing labor, there are also a number of reasons that are not supported by medical evidence. In this blog post, we will explore some of the common reasons given for induction of labor that are not medical indications.
Reasons to Not Induce Labor
- Convenience:
One of the most common reasons for induction of labor is convenience. This may be because the expectant mother is tired of being pregnant, or because the due date is approaching and the mother wants to schedule the delivery for a specific date. However, induction of labor for convenience is not supported by medical evidence, and may actually increase the risk of complications such as cesarean section.
- Fear of large baby:
Another reason given for induction of labor is fear of a large baby. However, estimates of fetal weight are often inaccurate, and induction of labor based on estimated fetal weight may actually increase the risk of complications such as cesarean section or shoulder dystocia.
- Gestational diabetes:
Gestational diabetes is a condition that can occur during pregnancy and can increase the risk of complications like a large baby, preterm birth, and stillbirth. While gestational diabetes is a medical indication for induction of labor, some providers may recommend induction of labor based solely on the diagnosis of gestational diabetes, even if the mother and baby are otherwise healthy.
- Advanced maternal age:
Advanced maternal age, typically defined as 35 years or older, is often cited as a reason for induction of labor. However, while advanced maternal age may increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth or preeclampsia, induction of labor based solely on maternal age is not supported by medical evidence.
- Post-term pregnancy:
A post-term pregnancy, or a pregnancy that has gone beyond 42 weeks gestation, is a medical indication for induction of labor. However, some providers may recommend induction of labor before 42 weeks gestation based solely on the fact that the due date has passed.
While induction of labor can be a necessary and beneficial procedure in certain circumstances, it is important to ensure that it is only recommended for valid medical indications. Induction of labor for convenience or based on unsupported reasons may actually increase the risk of complications, and should be avoided unless there is a clear medical need. Expectant mothers should discuss induction of labor with their healthcare provider to ensure that it is being recommended for the right reasons.
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Source Links:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Induction of labor. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/02/induction-of-labor
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Obstetric care consensus: Safe prevention of the primary cesarean delivery. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/obstetric-care-consensus/articles/2019/02/safe-prevention-of-the-primary-cesarean-delivery
- American Diabetes Association. (2021). Standards of medical care in diabetes – 2021. Retrieved from https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/44/Supplement_1/S1
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Assisted reproductive technology (ART). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/art/key-findings.html
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). Inducing labour. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng121/chapter/Recommendations#indications-for-labour-induction
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2017). Induction of labour at term in older mothers. Retrieved from https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/gtg_70.pdf
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Management of late-term and postterm pregnancies. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/02/management-of-late-term-and-postterm-pregnancies