Expecting mothers rely on their physicians to provide them with advice that will help to make sure that their baby arrives without any issues. After all, bringing a new baby into the world is one of the happiest moments for Greenville, North Carolina, mothers and fathers.
A recently released study indicates that pregnancy complications have a greater chance of occurring if labor is induced without the natural indicators signifying that birth is imminent. The extensive medical study looked at thousands of pregnancies and determined that there was a 67 percent increased risk of cesarean section when doctors induced labor without the indicators that accompany spontaneous birth. Mothers also experienced a higher chance of developing labor complications, including severe perineal tearing. When doctors induce labor at term, or just before term, without the normal signs showing that their baby is ready to be born, mothers are at risk for suffering pregnancy-related complications.
Not only are pregnant mothers going through induced labor more likely to experience medical complications, but so are their babies. The study demonstrated that babies that are born under these circumstances have a much greater chance of receiving care or treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit. This is undesirable news for parents who only want the best for the new addition to their family.
Of course, there are legitimate medical reasons why a doctor might decide to induce pregnancy. There are instances in which the health of a mother or child depends on medical professionals taking such action. However, this study demonstrates that doctors should take decision to induce labor very seriously.
Parents should be able to expect that their doctor is taking steps to ensure that delivery of their child will go smoothly. Whenever doctors take action, they should have verifiable reasons for making decisions. Important medical decisions should not be made out of convenience, but should be made in the best interests of patients.
Source: Medical Xpress, “Unnecessary induction of labor increases risk of cesarean section and other complications,” Mar. 6, 2012