Induction of Labour
1 in 3 Pregnancies are Induced in the UK. Here are some Facts You Need to know before agreeing to an Induction of Labour (IOL).
1 in 3 pregnancies are induced, and as a former NHS Midwife with extensive experience in obstetrics, I aim to shed light on the growing prevalence of induction of labour (IOL) and its implications for maternal and neonatal health.
Despite no longer practicing as a Midwife, I remain committed to staying updated on the latest evidence in pregnancy and birth. However, I have observed with concern the rise in birth interventions, including IOL, without sufficient evidence-based justification.
This article seeks to raise awareness and prompt critical evaluation about the factors driving the widespread use of IOL under current obstetric practice.
Induction of labour has become a routine procedure, with approximately 1 in 3 pregnancies in the UK being induced. While there are undoubtedly valid reasons for IOL, such as mitigating risks to maternal or fetal health, the significant rise in its prevalence warrants scrutiny. Are healthcare professionals providing evidence-based care when recommending IOL, or is there a growing culture among obstetricians which doubt women’s abilities to birth their babies without intervention?
