If your pregnancy is healthy, it is best to allow labor to take a natural
course. The last few weeks of pregnancy allow your baby’s brain
and lungs to fully mature. Research indicates that early elective inductions
could pose a significant health risk to infants including problems with
breathing, temperature, and blood glucose levels.
Expert Guidelines
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists is a national organization
of the doctors who deliver babies. The following guidelines are based
on advice from ACOG. Your doctor will use these guidelines to make a safe
decision about whether or not an elective induction is best for you and
your baby.
Before electively inducing labor:
Your doctor must verify that you have not had an up-and-down scar on your
uterus (classical incision) or major surgery on your uterus.
Your doctor must be sure of your due date so as not to start labor too
early, before your baby is fully developed.
Doctor-recommended guidelines consider weeks pregnant for elective induction.
Your cervix should be soft and ready to open (dilated). Your doctor can
tell this by examining your cervix to find out if it’s ready for labor.
There are numerous medical reasons for inducing labor prior to your due
date. If may be necessary for the health of the mother and baby. Your
doctor may consult a Perinatologist, who care for high-risk mothers and
babies before birth, or a Neonatologist, who cares for high-risk babies
after birth. The risks and the benefits will be fully discussed with you
by your doctor.
The last few weeks of pregnancy allow your baby’s brain and lungs
to fully mature.
