title: Induction of Labor and Cesarean: What is the True Relationship?
abstract: It is a commonly held belief that labor induction increases the risk of cesarean delivery; women who are induced are at higher risk of cesarean as compared with those in spontaneous labor. This comparison group is inaccurate, however, as women and providers cannot choose spontaneous labor as the alternative to labor induction. With expectant management, spontaneous labor may occur, but as gestation advances, pregnancy complications may occur, or women may progress postterm requiring induction at a later gestation. Using the proper comparison group, studies find that labor induction is actually associated with a small decreased risk of cesarean delivery.
authors: *Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.
authors: Sarah E
authors: SE
authors: Little
authors: Aaron B
authors: AB
authors: Caughey
mesh_terms: D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D018579:Patient Selection; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D020379:Risk Adjustment; D018570:Risk Assessment