Induction of labor

Research on induction of labor looks at when it is used, how it is done and what follows. Reviews cover evidence-based methods for successful induction, methods of term induction for women with a previous caesarean section, induction in outpatient settings with pharmacological and mechanical interventions, and preterm induction with its modalities, implications and outcomes. A study of term prelabor rupture of the membranes compares induction with expectant management, and reference entries cover induction of labor and the Bishop score.

Another group of papers looks at how induction is experienced. These include a survey of maternal perceptions of attempted and medically elective inductions, and a study of the attitudes of pregnant women and health professionals toward induction and obtaining consent. A multicenter cohort study examines whether vaginal microbiota in late pregnancy relates to the outcomes of planned induction.

Parents often ask why an induction is suggested, what the methods involve, how long it can take and what happens if it does not work. Researchers continue to look at many of these questions, and findings differ by situation.

An educator may want slides to present induction as a set of different situations and methods, and to leave room for informed consent discussions. The papers listed below are the ones the Hub tracks on this topic.