CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Scheduling a C-section or Induction? Read This First

save article
profile picture of Anisa Arsenault
By Anisa Arsenault, Associate Editor
Updated February 28, 2017
Hero Image
Image: Thinkstock/The Bump

If you’re being induced, chances are there’s a medical reason that makes the risk of induction lower than the risk of your continued pregnancy. That being said, if you’re planning on having en elective induction  (or an elective c-section ), you need to be aware that there are risks.

A new study in the July issue of Medical Care, published by the American Public Health Association, says that 1 in 25 US babies are born earlier than medically justified, through elective cesarean sections and elective induced labor.

“Unfortunately, many of these earlier births are ‘nonindicated,’ meaning there is not a medical rationale to deliver the baby early,” says Scott A. Lorch, MD, a collaborator to the study. And when babies were delivered earlier than 40 weeks without sufficient medical reason, Lorch says nonindicated cesarean sections more than doubled the chance that a baby would have respiratory distress or need ventilation. Early-term nonindicated cesareans and early-term induced labor both lengthened the infant’s hospital stay.

Just how many births are early elective deliveries? 3 t0 4 percent each year. “This may seem to be a small number, but with 4 million births a year in the U.S., each percentage point represents 40,000 babies,” says lead author Katy B. Kozhimannil, PhD.

The study looked back at all 7.3 million uncomplicated term births for the past 15 years in California, Pennsylvania and Missouri. The states were chosen for their mixed demographics and large population sizes — these three states combined account for 20 percent of all US births.

Researches also found that women were more likely to experience early-term nonindicated births if they were older, had higher education levels, private health insurance, and if they delivered at a smaller-volume or a non-teaching hospital.

Certainly, you and your doctor may decide an induction or c-section is right for you. Regardless of your birth plan, it’s important to be informed.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant meghan trainor and son riley smiling
Meghan Trainor on Learning to Love Her Body Again Post C-Section
By Wyndi Kappes
woman holding her baby's hand after undergoing c section procedure
What to Know About C-Section Procedures
By Maggie Overfelt
First-Time C-Section Rates Are at an All-Time High, New Report Shows
First-Time C-Section Rates Are at an All-Time High, New Report Shows
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
frida mom c section recovery products gif
Frida Mom Is Launching New Products to Help With C-Section Recovery
By Nehal Aggarwal
Peaceful new baby sleeping with mom holding its hands.
Study Says Beneficial Bacteria Can Be Restored to Baby After C-Section
By Nehal Aggarwal
Q&A: Is a C-section More Difficult if I'm Overweight?
Q&A: Is a C-section More Difficult if I'm Overweight?
By Colleen Canney
tired woman resting in bed with her arm over her face
What to Expect During Your C-Section Recovery
By Anna Davies
ADVERTISEMENT
11 Things No One Tells You About C-sections
11 Things No One Tells You About C-sections
By Erin Walters
shawn johnson in labor for 22 hours.
Shawn Johnson Reveals She “Felt Guilty” for Delivering via C-Section
By Nehal Aggarwal
pregnant reality star amy duggar
Amy Duggar Had a Planned C-Section and She Isn't Here for Any Shaming
By Ashley Edwards Walker
ADVERTISEMENT
actress gemma atkins responds to c-section shamers
Actress Gemma Atkinson Defends Herself Against C-Section Shaming
By Ashley Edwards Walker
actress kata mara opens up about emergency c-section
Kate Mara Shares ‘Devastation’ Over Emergency C-Section but Wouldn’t Change a Thing
By Stephanie Grassullo
new mom holding her newborn baby after delivery
This 30-Second Video Shows Why C-Section Recovery Is Crucial for New Moms
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
husband calls his wife badass for delivering their child via c-section
How Your Partner Really Sees Your C-Section Scar: 'Strong, Powerful, Dedicated and Bad*ss'
By Stephanie Grassullo
person holding newborn baby's hand in the hospital
C-Section Births Have Nearly Doubled Worldwide Since 2000, Study Finds
By Stephanie Grassullo
new mom sweetly kissing her newborn baby in bed
New Mom Reflects on Her Emergency C-Section: 'at That Moment, I Couldn’t Be More Proud'
By Stephanie Grassullo
mom delivering baby through c-section
This Mom Has One Thing to Say About C-Sections: They Are ‘Never the Easy Way Out’
By Stephanie Grassullo
ADVERTISEMENT
What No One Tells You About C-Section Guilt
What No One Tells You About C-Section Guilt
By Gina Bazer
A Microbe Wipe Could Bridge the Gap Between Vaginal and C-Section Deliveries—But Is It Safe?
A Microbe Wipe Could Bridge the Gap Between Vaginal and C-Section Deliveries—But Is It Safe?
By Anisa Arsenault
mom's c-section photo expressing c-section birth is not the easy way out
Mom's Candid List of Reasons Why a C-Section Is Not the 'Easy Way Out' Is a Must-Read
By Ashley Edwards Walker
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List