A medical labor induction is a procedure in which labor is started by artificial means. The most common means of labor induction is the use of Pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin. There are many reasons that inductions are performed, many of which are legitimate (such as preeclampsia, deterioration of the placenta, and premature rupture of membranes without onset of labor). However, elective inductions are on the rise. An elective induction is a medical induction that is performed for reasons other than a medical need. This practice is not recommended by ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) or the WHO, yet many OB/GYN's suggest and even pressure patients into elective inductions for reasons of convenience. I find it absolutely appalling that they do this without informing their patients of the true risks involved.
Risks of induction include abnormal fetal heart rate, shoulder dystocia, fetal distress, increased risk of NICU admission, increased risk of vacuum- or forceps-assisted delivery, increased risk of C-section, increased risk of baby prematurity and jaundice. Not to mention the risks associated with a Cesarean section. Often reasons for induction outweigh the risks, but are these risks justified for the sake of convenience?
Here are some statistics involving Medical Inductions and Cesarean Sections in the United States:
- In 2009, the
C-section rate in the U.S. was 32.9%. That is 1/3 of all births! The WHO
has stated that a C-section rate higher than 15% is a cause for concern.
- In 2008, the
induction rate in the U.S. was 23%. Of those inductions, 40% were elective
(for reasons other than medical need).
- A labor that is
medically induced is twice as likely to end in C-section than a
spontaneous labor.
- A recent study
published in the journal Obstetrics
and Gynecology found that more than
43% of women expecting a first baby were induced. Of these nearly 40% were
being induced for convenience. More than 1/3 of women undergoing induction
for convenience had a cervix that was known to be unfavorable for
induction. Using a very conservative analysis, the authors estimate that
fully 20% of all C-sections done at their institution were the result of
inductions for convenience (Ehrenthal et. al., 2010).
- Another
study found that
first-time mothers with an unripe cervix who were induced had a 42% C-section
rate in labor (Thorsell, et.al., 2011).
The end of a pregnancy is not much fun. Elective induction can begin to sound very appealing. But before you schedule an elective induction, take a look at the risks and really ask yourself if it's worth it to you. Medical induction is one of the many incredible medical advancements we have available to us, but these interventions should only be performed if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Sources:
http://wellroundedmama.blogspot.com/2011/07/induction-triples-risk-for-cesareans-in.html
GREAT POST!
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