Relative Costs of Elective Induction of Labor at 39 Weeks vs. Expectant Management

As elective induction of labor becomes more common, the healthcare costs assume greater importance. Two groups studied the cost of elective induction of labor at 39 weeks versus expectant management. The first study used data from a previous randomized trial to analyze costs of care in 1200 nulliparous women delivering at five Utah hospitals. Compared with expectant management, elective induction of labor at 39 weeks' gestation was significantly associated with 17% higher mean maternal costs of delivery and postpartum care but 47% lower mean outpatient antenatal costs. Total hospital plus outpatient costs were greater with elective induction, but the difference was not statistically significant.

In a second study, cost of care was retrospect…