Question: I am pregnant and my due date is soon. I would like to be induced, but my doctor doesn't think it is good idea. Why?

Answer: Thanks for your question. There are many medical reasons why your doctor may recommend that your baby be delivered early rather than waiting for labor to start on its own. Some of these reasons include high blood pressure and diabetes.

Elective inductions are when there is no medical reason for the delivery and may be due to patient or physician preference. It sounds like your induction would fall into this category. Based upon national guidelines, your doctor will make sure of two things before agreeing to induce your labor:

1. You must be within one week of your due date, and

2. Your cervix must be "ready" to be induced.

It is very important for the health of your baby that you not be induced too early. Studies have shown that babies delivered as little as nine to 10 days early have a higher risk of breathing problems and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit compared to babies born within one week of their due date.

If the cervix is not ready to be induced (not dilated) your labor may be longer, your risk of infection will be higher and your risk of having a cesarean section instead of a vaginal delivery is increased, especially if this is your first baby. On average, women whose labors are induced are in labor four hours longer than women who go into labor on their own.

So while there may be many good personal reasons to have your baby delivered early, many times it is better to let nature take its course. To ensure the best outcome for you and your baby, you should not be electively induced until you are within a week of your due date and your cervix is ready.