title: Elective induction of labor: part 2.
abstract: The elective induction of labor has become commonplace, and many are concerned that the practice introduces risks for the woman and the fetus that would not be incurred if labor had been allowed to begin spontaneously. This second paper of a two-part communication reviews the risks and benefits of the elective induction of labor, and concludes that the risks of the induction of labor are few when the patient is properly screened medically and appropriately informed. The principal worry is a doubled risk of Cesarean delivery among primigravidas (not multiparas) in whom labor is electively induced. The benefits of selecting the date of delivery are powerful incentives for busy working women. But the benefits are primarily social, and add to the convenience of both the patient and her doctor. The risks, however, are medical, and are not confined to the pregnancy at risk. Appropriately informed consent is the key to balance the risks and benefits.
authors.affiliation: warren-crosby@ouhsc.edu
authors.forename: Warren
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Crosby
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section; D003657:Decision Making; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D010121:Oxytocin; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D010121:Oxytocin