Elective Induction of Labor at Term: Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes

Induction might not be associated with excess risk for cesarean delivery.

Labor induction, with or without medical indications, is on the rise and has been associated with excess risk for cesarean delivery (JW Womens Health Feb 4 2010). Amid concerns about skyrocketing cesarean rates, calls to eliminate elective induction have been put forth. In a large retrospective study, researchers in Scotland sought to determine maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with elective labor induction. Among a cohort of 1.3 million women who delivered at term (37–41 weeks' gestation) in Scottish maternity hospitals between 1981 and 2007, 26% underwent induced labor. Of these, more than half had no listed medical indication and were classified as elective.

Compared with expectant management, elective induction was associated wi…

Reviewing Author

Allison Bryant, MD, MPH

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Board of Directors)

Allison Bryant, MD, MPH

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Board of Directors)

Elective Induction of Labor at Term: Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes

Topics

Reviewing Author