The seduction of induction at Xmas

We are coming into silly season

The time when Xmas plans are being made and when you’re pregnant you’re most likely hoping for your baby’s sake he or she is not born on Xmas day

If your baby is due around Xmas there is often the seduction of being induced to be sure your baby doesn’t have to share hospital birthday

With that concern comes the seduction to accept an induction of labour

Ask any midwife in a private hospital and they will be dreading the week leading up to Xmas as they know the “induction book” will be bursting at the seems with inductions

Of course any one would rather keep Xmas day and the days either side quiet so that more staff can spend the day with their families .

But Xmas ( Easter etc etc ) are not valid reasons to induce a baby .

Induction of labour techniques were introduced with the good intention of ending pregnancy early when there is valid medical reason .

Valid reasons can include hypertension of pregnancy and or a baby who doesn’t seem to be growing and thriving in utero .

Induction of labour comes with risk . When the benefits of induction ( such as reducing risk of hypertension for mum or slow growth for baby ) outweighs the risks – then of course induction should happen in a timely matter – no matter what day of the week it is .

When the reason for induction is – Xmas day / Easter / weekend / Doctor going on holiday – the benefit probably doesn’t out weigh the risk .

What are the risks of induction of labour ?

More discomfort during the labour process and therefore more use of pain medications

More risk of baby becoming distressed during the “artificial” contractions leading to increase risk of instrumental birth ( forceps or c section

Increased risk of infection

Increases risk of postpartum bleeding

Increased risk of baby needing special care nursery due to distress / infection / lung immaturity

Increases risk of baby needing care for jaundice a associated with being born before due date and the use of forceps

Decreases breastfeeding rate – due to pain relieving medication and baby immaturity

Increases risk of perineal tears

Decreased satisfaction of birth experience ( due to increased levels of discomfort )

There have been studies over the past decade which have resulted in higher number of women being “offered” induction of labour – the study did not look at the impact of induction on baby’s in short and long term .

The rates of induction over the past 2 decades have increased dramatically

The percentage of stillbirth has NOT decreased ( and therefore induction of labour at 39-30 weeks can not be claimed to reduce stillbirth rates

Many women are also offered / encouraged induction due to their baby being “large” . This estimate is based on ultrasound which is not effective at predicting size and can over ( or under) predict by 10-20 percent .

Having an induction of labour to avoid Xmas day may seem very enticing BUT keep your eye on the longer term effects of unnecessary interventions .

Gaining more knowledge about your options for birth is vital for you and your baby ( physical and mental wellbeing)

My positive birth classes provide you and your partner with the knowledge , tools and confidence to advocate and take charge over your pregnancy and birth