Elective labour induction without any medical or obstetric indication has been increasing in recent years. In some countries, 10% of all deliveries are electively induced. This increase has been attributed to greater demand by mothers and to logistic factors such as distance from the maternal dwelling to the hospital or a history of precipitate delivery. In addition, elective induction to suit the obstetrician’s schedule has been a contributing factor since the first half of the 20th century.