|
|
|
To
Induce or not to Induce:
Know the Risks Involved in This Increasing Trend
March 28, 2001
In 1995, almost 26% of the pregnancies that went to
term ended in an induced labor. This compares with 13% for full term
pregnancies in 1980. A recent study, conducted by Dr. Barbara P. Yawn
and colleagues from the Mayo Clinic and the Olmstead Medical Center
in Rochester, Minnesota concluded that with the increase in induction
comes an increase in risk to both the mother and infant. The results
of the study were published in the March issue of the American Journal
of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The study examined the reasons given for inducing labor and found that
there was a 23-fold increase in induction for an abnormally large fetus
and a 15-fold increase for unspecified reasons. It was also found that
inductions occurred twice as frequently in 1995 when a pregnancy was
thought to have gone on too long, than in 1980.
In women who were induced due to an abnormally large fetus, cesarean
delivery rates were very high. The study also found that cesarean deliveries
were more common with women who were induced for elective reasons. Cesarean
deliveries have more complications and require a longer recovery time
than vaginal births. Furthermore, they are more expensive.
Dr. Yawn and her colleagues noted a decline in the rates of inductions
due to the rupture of membranes during this same time period. This is
notable because when the membranes rupture, there is a documented advantage
for the mother and child of inducing labor. There continues to be no
documented advantage for inducing labor due to an abnormally large fetus.
According to Dr. Yawn, to make the best decision about induction, a
woman and her healthcare provider must make a careful and honest evaluation
of the risks and the benefits involved.
|
|
In the
Store Today
The Hip Mama Survival Guide
|
