I recently read an article by The Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine suggesting that intervening in the birth process does not necessarily improve newborn outcomes. I was intrigued. Research indicates that induction leads to c-sections 50% of the time in first time mothers. Not only are these interventions not benefiting the babies they are touted to save, they're putting mother's at risk as well. (About.com, Risks of Cesarean Section)
While further studies need to be done, according the article, it concluded that low intervention in birth might actually be beneficial to mothers as it might actually lower their rate of first time c-sections, thus lowering the rate of repeat c-sections.
"Labor induction is not always successful and is associated with an increased likelihood of cesarean delivery. Cesarean delivery, while common, is a major surgery and like all surgeries increases the risk of infection, bleeding, the need for additional surgeries, and results in longer recovery times." Since our country has a very high c-section rate (33%), it would certainly improve the future birthing climate by lowering the c-section rates for first time mothers. In fact, the World Health Organization has been moving to encourage lower the rates of c-sections to between 10 and 15%.
As a midwife, my goal is to educate others about the best approach in birth, spreading the word, one mother at a time, that intervention in birth, whether through induction or elective c-section, may very well not be worth the risk. (See About.com, 10 Reasons to Choose VBAC).
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