What a new research study that reverses conventional wisdom on labor induction means for women and care providers
The Associated Press reported the results of a new study that determined first time mothers with a low risk of complications were less likely to need a cesarean (C-section) delivery when labor was induced at 39 weeks than mothers who waited for labor to occur naturally. More than 6,100 women at 41 hospitals were studied.
The study reverses the assumption that inducing labor increases the risk of C-section, and shows instead a benefit to first time mothers. But Dr. Nanette Santoro cautions that most labor and delivery suites do not have the resources to induce labor in all eligible mothers, and may need to adapt based on the findings of the study.
Also featured on
Also covered by News5 WCYB in the article, “Helping nature: Inducing labor avoids cesarean for some moms.”
The Intelligencer: “Inducing Labor Avoids Cesarean for Some Moms”
The Columbian: “Study backs inducing labor at 39 weeks”