Induced Labor Late in Pregnancy Has Pros, Cons

He believes that "the best predictor of whether or not an induction of labor will result in an operative delivery is the status of the cervix (opening of the womb) when the induction is begun. This was not looked at in this study. It is highly likely that labor was induced electively only in those women whose cervices were favorable."

The study was published online May 10 in the BMJ.

SOURCES: Joanne Stone, M.D., professor, obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City; James Ducey, M.D., director, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Staten Island University Hospital, New York City; BMJ, news release, May 10, 2012

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Published: May 2012