Is induction common in the US?

Question

Im from the UK and reading a lot of posts mums to be are saying they are due in a couple of days but being induced a couple after for example. Just curious to know if its common practice in the US and why?

Thanks for any feedback xx

Answer

The US is very induction happy-- I think most moms are induced if they go til 41 weeks, or earlier for medical reasons or mom wants an earlier induction. Very rarely do we let things alone and trust our bodies in the regular hospital setting... you can advocate and push back against induction, but I think it has to be something that the mom really wants. I had to really fight/advocate for myself with my first baby and he came when he was ready (42 weeks and 11lbs)-- it's incredible how many ppl say they can't believe "they 'let' me go that long" ... anyway-- you are correct, there are more inductions in the US for sure ;)

Answer

Yes doctors are induction happy. Watch the business of being born on Netflix. They get money for things like inductions and c sections(more for c sections) and let's not forget the all controversial circumcision. They get paid for extra interventions (don't comment to start an arguement please,)

I've had two inductions that were "necessary" through fear with something is wrong with the baby 
But NOPPPEEE the doctor just had a vacation with his wife, so he told me my son wasn't growing. And took him at 38+5 
My daughter (oldest) was also taken because she was "too big" at 7pounds 9 ounces by the SAME doctor. 
I have a new doctor now, who is letting me go into spontaneous labor.

Inductions are a huge thing...and not many people are educated on the stress it puts on body AND baby

Answer

Ya it's way less common in Canada than the US as well. Most people here view it as a last resort to try avoid if at all possible but it seems in the US a lot of moms and doctors are eager to induce pretty quickly.

Answer

Yeah, my doc said if I make it to my prenatal 41 appointment, he's going to schedule an induction. He refuses to let his patients go beyond 42 weeks.

Answer

I'm ten days over currently and have an appointment for inducement Monday (if I make it- hopefully not). I'm in Canada, and at my hospital they will book your appointment for inducement sometime in your 41st week unless you request it earlier (earliest your 40th week for no reason other than post dates). It takes a couple days to get an appointment depending on how busy it is and your need. They do ultrasounds every two days or so and if you are over but your baby is thriving they wait on your request. Regardless I think 42 weeks or 14 days is their normal cut off. You can go over that, but you have to sign a paper saying you were advised not to wait any longer. I have friends who have done that and they were still treated well at the hospital.

I am probably going to agree to inducement Monday, I think babe will still be ok inside, but I have had several members of my family who have gone way over dates, like 17-22 days, had babies who obviously should have come out earlier, and ended up needing to induced to get them out anyways. I would much prefer to go naturally, I am "super favourable" according to doc which will likely make induction smoother, and it might happen on its own this weekend. Here is hoping!

Answer

Thanks for all your feedback, interesting to compare to the UK. I hope you all have a happy and healthy birth whether naturally or medically induced xx

Answer

I am currently being induced due to gestational diabetes. Here in Canada, they induce if you are overdue or have any medical reasons to induce (GD, High BP)

Answer

It's very very common. Mostly for doctor scheduling honestly.

Answer

I was induced at 42 weeks in the UK. Now in Canada and I'm being induced at 39+3 due to excess amniotic fluid.  One week to go!!!

Answer

Yes, it seems to be. I'm 39+1, and my baby is due March 10. At my appointment yesterday the doctor said that if baby is not here by Wednesday the 15th, they would schedule an induction for Thursday the 16th. She said they don't like for patients to go past 41 weeks.

Is induction common in the US?

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