Compared to normal-length pregnancies, pregnancies that go on too long carry a slightly greater risk of fetal death at or near the time of birth. For that reason, physicians sometimes recommend that labor be induced when a pregnancy has gone on longer than normal. But induction of labor may also entail a small risk, especially if there is no sign of impending spontaneous labor. Which is the lesser risk?
To find out, researchers combed all the available data from previous studies of inducing, or not inducing, labor after unusually long gestation (usually 41 weeks). In all, they reviewed 30 studies involving a total of over 12,000 women in 14 countries.
The results? Inducing labor after 41 weeks resulted in fewer infant deaths. It also resulted in fewer caesarean deliveries, though on the other hand it did result in more assisted (operative) vaginal births. All in all, induction of labor after 41 weeks of gestation appeared to be a good choice. However, it was not determined in this study whether there is an optimal time of induction - should it be at 41 weeks, or 42, or even 43?
Based on this analysis, women who experience an extra-long gestation can safely consider induction of labor as an option.
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