18/08/2022
Over the years, I have shared a number of studies showing that induction increases the chance of caesarean. A 2021 study again reinforced our knowledge in this area.
This is important, because what these studies show is contrary to what many women and families are told.
Many people are told that induction of labour reduces the chance a having a caesarean.
But thatβs not what midwives, doctors, birth supporters and others who work in the real world see, though.
In the real world, and in research carried out in real world settings, we see something different.
We see that healthy women are more likely to end up having a caesarean if they have induction of labour. That's compared to going into labour on their own.
It's really important that we don't take evidence at face value. We need to dig deeper and explore what's going on.
We need to understand that just because there's evidence to support an idea, that doesn't mean it's right.
It doesn't mean that there aren't other perspectives.
Most importantly of all, there are pros and cons to everything.
Induction of labour is absolutely the right decision for some woman and families, regardless of an increased chance of caesarean.
And it's absolutely not right for others.
The key is in getting informed, and figuring out what's right for you.
My blog post explains this in depth, and I spell out the numbers. https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/induction-increases-caesarean/
I hope youβll find it useful.