Giving birth is a crucial moment in a woman’s life, and the decision to induce labor is not one to be taken lightly. Unfortunately, some doctors may recommend inducing labor without sufficient medical justification, which can lead to unnecessary complications and potential harm to both mother and baby. One common reason given for induction is a “big baby,” but recent research suggests that this may not be a valid reason in most cases.
What is a “Big Baby”?
The medical term for a “big baby” is macrosomia, which refers to a newborn weighing more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams) at birth. Macrosomia occurs in approximately 10% of all pregnancies and is often associated with gestational diabetes, maternal obesity, or a family history of large babies. While a big baby may seem like a good reason to induce labor, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of doing so.
Why Inducing Labor for a Big Baby May Not Be a Valid Reason
One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that inducing labor for suspected macrosomia did not reduce the risk of shoulder dystocia (when a baby’s shoulders get stuck during delivery) or other complications compared to waiting for natural labor to begin. In fact, induction was associated with a higher rate of cesarean delivery, which carries its own set of risks and complications.
Another study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that induction for suspected macrosomia led to a higher rate of newborn intensive care unit admission and longer hospital stays, without any significant improvement in maternal or neonatal outcomes.
Birthify encourages expectant mothers to discuss induction options with their healthcare provider and to ask questions about the potential risks and benefits. It is important to remember that every pregnancy is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to induction. Ultimately, the decision to induce labor should be based on a careful consideration of the individual circumstances and medical needs of the mother and baby.
While a “big baby” may seem like a good reason to induce labor, recent research suggests that it may not be a valid reason in most cases. Induction for suspected macrosomia may increase the risk of complications and may not improve outcomes for the mother or baby. Birthify recommends that expectant mothers discuss induction options with their healthcare provider and make an informed decision based on their individual circumstances.
Sources:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2014). Practice Bulletin No. 163: Screening for Fetal Macrosomia. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 123(3), 688-695. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000445583.05131.90
- Grobman, W. A., Bailit, J. L., Rice, M. M., Reddy, U. M., Wapner, R. J., Varner, M. W., . . . Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network. (2019). Induction versus expectant management in low-risk nulliparous women. New England Journal of Medicine, 381(25), 2376-2385. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1912040
- Simpson, K. R., Thorman, K. E., & Obstetrical and Neonatal Nurses. (2013). Obstetric “conveniences”: Elective induction of labor, cesarean birth on demand, and other potentially unnecessary interventions. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 42(6), 713-720. doi:10.1111/1552-6909.12252
- Volk, M. L., & Hernandez, J. C. (2018). Induction of labor for suspected fetal macrosomia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 219(4), 323-331.e3. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2018.06.035
- Birthify. (2021). Why induce labor for suspected macrosomia may not be a good idea. Retrieved from https://birthify.org/blog/why-induce-labor-for-suspected-macrosomia-may-not-be-a-good-idea/