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The Induction Debate

The Pros and Cons of Inducing Labor

By Kim Byrum Skinner

Dr. Parker encourages women to ask questions and do their homework regarding the pros and cons of induction. Weigh the information received – all risks, benefits and potential complications – and make an informed decision. If there's any doubt, seek a second opinion. "In following ACOG's guidelines for risk and appropriateness, I'm pretty secure and proud to say that I stay right around that [16 percent] rate of induction," he says. "But again, there are physicians who have even advertised, 'Have your baby on a day you pick.' There are physician practices that believe a good number of – if not all – patients should be delivered on a scheduled basis."

According to Dr. Parker, rising malpractice insurance costs and reduced coverage payments have increased the volumes of patients doctors are now required to see. "We can't be in two places at once," Dr. Parker says. "We can't have privileges at two or three different hospitals and be expected to deliver a baby at this hospital, a baby at that hospital and be in surgery all at the same time. Consequently, physicians are managing their practices by choosing to induce or convincing patients they need to be induced."

Lo predicts that given its "hot-button" status within the medical community, induction rates are likely to fall. "We want to encourage our physicians to really follow the guidelines set forth by ACOG, which I believe they do," Lo says. "If you're a woman who thinks she's going to go in and pressure a physician to do an induction when there's no medical reason, that's probably not going to happen ... I don't think it's going to be real easy to find physicians who'll just abide by a whimsical wish without any medical backing."

Want to see more?

• Birth Presentations and Delivery: A Guide for Baby's Arrival
• The Right to Choose: Elective Cesarean Sections
• The Birth Plan: Helpful or Troublesome?
• Talk about it!

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