Introduction
In most developed countries, induction of labor is an increasingly common obstetric procedure [1–3]. It has been medically indicated for decades in women at high risk to prevent the risks associated with the prolongation of pregnancy and national guidelines listing these indications have been established [4–6]. In these situations, it has been associated with improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes [7–10]. The issue is different for low-risk women, most of whom are expected to start labor spontaneously, without needing medical induction. Several reports have shown, however, that labor induction has also become a common procedure in this group and that its use has been extended to non-standard indications or even reasons of convenience [11–16]. This trend is of particular concern because evidence regarding the potential risks associated with induction is
inconclusive, so that the risk-benefit ratio is difficult to evaluate, especially in the low-risk population.
IntroductionIn most developed countries, induction of labor is an increasingly common obstetric procedure [1–3]. It has been medically indicated for decades in women at high risk to prevent the risks associated with the prolongation of pregnancy and national guidelines listing these indications have been established [4–6]. In these situations, it has been associated with improved maternal and neonatal health outcomes [7–10]. The issue is different for low-risk women, most of whom are expected to start labor spontaneously, without needing medical induction. Several reports have shown, however, that labor induction has also become a common procedure in this group and that its use has been extended to non-standard indications or even reasons of convenience [11–16]. This trend is of particular concern because evidence regarding the potential risks associated with induction isinconclusive, so that the risk-benefit ratio is difficult to evaluate, especially in the low-risk population.
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