Preventing elective induction before 39 weeks

Induction of labor has become a common practice in Minnesota and elsewhere in the United States during the last three decades. Yet a review of the research shows that elective induction has no medical benefit and, in fact, is associated with risks to both the mother and infant, particularly if labor is induced before 39 weeks gestation. This article reports the recommendations of a Minnesota Department of Human Services advisory group on perinatal practices and labor induction. The recommendations include having hospitals establish new policies on elective induction and encouraging medical providers to educate patients about the risks of early-term induction.