In line with last week’s post about recommendations against elective induction before 39 weeks, let’s talk about what an early induction means. Below are some basic points with links to more in-depth information from evidence-based resources.
How early is an early induction?
An “early induction” is any induction that is performed before 39 weeks of pregnancy. Experts from several recognized organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Childbirth Connection and March of Dimes, state that a baby needs at least 39 completed weeks in order to fully develop their brain and other vital organs.
What are the risks of early induction?
Induction in and of itself carries risks to mom and baby. Because induction is an artificial process for starting labor, your body may not be ready to follow its cues. As a result, inductions can cause a cascade of additional medical processes (interventions) to keep labor going, which can ultimately lead to an increased risk for cesarean surgery. Unless there is clear medical indication (see below), letting labor begin on its own is the safest decision.
Induction before 39 weeks brings an additional risk of prematurity. Babies born even a little too early can experience complications like problems with breathing, feeding, maintaining body temperature and jaundice. In most cases, babies know best when it comes to being born.
What if I need to be induced?
There are solid medical reasons for induction before 39 weeks. Being done with being pregnant, isn’t one of them. 
There are also several reasons given for induction that are not true medical reasons. It’s important to know the difference. Click through and read up on the two links provided above on the new induction resource page on Childbirth Connection, a not-for-profit organization founded that works to improve the quality of maternity care.
If you’re pregnant and faced with the decision to induce — and even if you’re not — read up! Inform yourself. Learn all that you can, from sources in addition to your care provider and other than well-meaning family and friends. Start here:
- Childbirth Connection Induction of Labor Resource Site
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Labor Induction FAQ
- March of Dimes Induction Information
- Information from Lamaze on medical interventions, including induction
Or you may find that standard hospital practices often include medical interventions. In either situation, it’s important that you be involved in the decisions related to your care. You can do that by asking questions and openly communicating your desires to everyone in attendance. When a medical intervention is suggested or presented as routine procedure, ask about the benefits, risks, alternatives and whether you can do the procedure later – or not at all. Most important, trust your intuition. Everyone, including you, should stop and think before an intervention is suggested. Research shows that many times interventions are done more for convenience sake than for medical reasons. Being well-informed about the common interventions that might arise will enhance your ability to make crucial decisions. Educate yourself, communicate your preferences well in advance and stay involved in all decisions related to labor and birth. Your choices will be critical to the health and safety of you and your baby.
Ask our resident obstetrical expert, Henci Goer, any question you have about conception, pregnancy, birth, and newborns. 
