A new study has found that inducing pregnant woman at 39 weeks cuts the risk of complications.
The trial has been described as ‘game-changing.’
The team believe inducing women before the 40 week mark comes with a heap of benefits, as opposed to natural birth.
Over 6,000 women took part in the study. Half of the participants were induced at 39 weeks and the other half gave birth naturally.
Researchers revealed that the women who were induced experienced less pain and admitted they felt more in control during the birthing process.
They also noticed a 25 percent decrease in the number of babies needing breathing support despite the fact that their mum had preeclampsia or high blood pressure.
Researchers also revealed that the risk of needing an emergency c-section dropped by 14 percent.
George Macones, who is the lead author of the study said: “This study is a potential game changer and will have a significant impact on the practice of obstetrics.”
He said they are already advising healthy pregnant women to be induced at 39 weeks.
The results have been hugely welcomed by medical experts in the United Kingdom.
However, spokesperon for Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Professor Basky Thilaganathan said: “Induction is safe and studies have shown no short term adverse impact on the mother of the baby, induction of labour is a medical intervention and can lead to a more prolonged and painful process than spontaneous labour, and with costs to the services.”
The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
