Some obstetricians have recommended inducing labor at 39 weeks to reduce the risk of complications. Physicians worried that elective induction at 39 weeks might increase the rate of C-sections, and no randomized studies had determined whether induction might be safer than the usual care—letting nature take its course until around 41 weeks and inducing labor after that.
A new clinical trial, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine , provides some answers. Based on previous retrospective studies, our thought was that delivery after 40 weeks may be associated with a higher risk of complications, such as maternal preeclampsia and low Apgar scores for neonates.
To avoid complications, some doctors have been interested in inducing labor at 39 weeks, when the risk of complications is lowest. We also questioned the older literature that induction before 40 weeks might increase the number of deliveries by cesarean section, so we looked at this outcome as well. However, the group that was induced at 39 weeks had significantly fewer C-sections and lower rates of preeclampsia, which is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity.
These findings will give women and their providers options that once were considered taboo. They show that elective induction at 39 weeks is now a valid option. This is particularly important for women known to be at risk for preeclampsia. Of course, while the study showed that induction at 39 weeks is safe, some women may still prefer to let nature take its course and allow labor to begin naturally.
Giving birth Should you ask to be induced at 39 weeks pregnant? Photo: Stocksy United. What the research says about inducing labour Historically, it was feared that induction increased the risk of C-section. What now? Joseph Communications uses cookies for personalization, to customize its online advertisements, and for other purposes. Learn more or change your cookie preferences.
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