Why does every American doctor seem to induce?

Question

I’m uk second time mum, first child was induced for medical reasons at 42 weeks due to being stuck in wrong position. From my experience in uk we only get induced after 40 weeks if baby isn’t coming naturally and before then they don’t offer sweep or even check cervix. Why on earth do all the American based mums on here seem to be offered inductions before their due date by their doctors? Surely if there’s no medical reason to induce you ladies should be left alone?

Answer

There's a documentary that goes over this topic. It's mainly because it's a convenience to the doctors. I think it was called "The business of being born."

Answer

I'm in the US and my doctor doesn't induce until you're 10 days over due or medically necessary. She doesn't check for dilation either...it just depends on who your doctor is. Not every women in America gets induced before 40 weeks or gets their cervix checked

Answer

I'm American with Permanent Residency in Australia.  I've got to say that I love my public system midwives! No non-essential tests or procedures just to put extra money in the doctor's pocket. Could just be the hospital I'll be delivering at but all procedures seem to be evidence based. Skin to skin immediately, no tests until after baby has the first breastfeed, delayed cord clamping (2-3 min.), baby rooming in with me, etc. All the stuff I would have to fight for in the USA is standard at my hospital. They're currently reviewing the hemorrhage rates with actively managed placenta delivery; immediately give the shot or wait 2-3 minutes after birth. Seriously this has been a much better experience for me then I could ever expect in the USA.

Answer

I said the same thing to my husband last night - everything is so different over there.  I don't get checked until my due date for the first time,  which is when they'll schedule an induction usually 12 days after your due date.  It baffles me that there are so many women being induced for no reason (or silly ones,  like baby is getting too big.  ultrasounds are never that accurate!)

Answer

My doc takes a more hands off approach (US based).  I have Gestational Diabetes and he will still allow me to go to 41 weeks.  They offer to check for dilation at 38 weeks, but don’t require it. It’s one of the reasons I chose his office.

Answer

Which came first, the doc pushing intervention to meet his needs or the American woman who wants things to meet her needs?

Answer

I am in the US and my doctor doesn't do inductions unless it's after 40 weeks, and no planned sections unless it's high risk. But I agree after being on this forum it definitely seems like that is not the norm here.

Answer

I'm a uk mum, being induced at 37+2 (tomorrow!) but only because I have obstetric cholestasis and there's risk to the baby. 
My friend has just had her baby at 41+5, she was offered a sweep at 40 weeks and induced at 41+4.
It does surprise me the number of people in the US that are routinely induced, I'm wondering whether it's because it's like private healthcare over there so more geared towards what the mum wants? Or what the dr senses the mum wants?

Answer

Im in the Us and my dr checks cervix every week since 35w and she says if baby doesn't come by my due date I have to have a csection. Very annoying. I don't mind the cervix check, it doesn't hurt. But I'm starting to stress that baby won't come before my due date😬 I had a csec w my first & vaginal w my second. No medical problems w number 3 so far , so idk why the 40w mark is such a big deal😒

Answer

I agree, however I do think they should check us second time uk mummy’s for dilation sooner xxx

Why does every American doctor seem to induce?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products