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Induction of labor, which is an increasingly important tool in managing conditions such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia (JW Womens Health Sep 17 2009), is also on the rise in the elective setting. A common belief is that induction of labor is associated with excess risk for cesarean delivery. In a meta-analysis of 36 studies (11 of which were randomized controlled trials [RCTs]), researchers evaluated maternal and neonatal risks associated with induction of labor versus expectant monitoring. The authors assessed data from pregnancies of 37 weeks' gestation to just before 42 weeks' gestation. Comparison groups were defined based on expectant monitoring in nine RCTs and spontaneous labor in two RCTs (and all but 1 observational s…