Many studies are devoted to the risks associated with premature birth . This research from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece) highlights the increased risk of maternal and fetal complications in prolonged pregnancy beyond 39 weeks. Findings presented in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology that confirm this trigger point as a safe and beneficial option for mothers and their babies.
The prevalence of maternal and fetal complications increases with the advancement of pregnancy beyond 39 weeks and the induction of labor at 39 weeks has already been proposed in various guidelines to preserve the optimal health of the mother and the newborn.
This meta-analysis of data, including ultrasound and birth results, from 5 randomized controlled trials confirms that elective induction of labor during a simple, uncomplicated pregnancy from 39 weeks of gestation is not associated with higher complication rates and, in fact, may even reduce the risk of cesarean section, hypertensive disease and respiratory support in newborns.
Induction of labor from 39 weeks, a safe and beneficial option: these data are considered sufficient by these experts to confirm the interest of induction of labor from 39 weeks in the event of a single and uncomplicated pregnancy and support the safety of this option, after all already recognized in clinical practice. Dr Alexandros Sotiriadis, lead author and physician at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, however, adds: "Before undertaking induction of labor in low-risk pregnancies, women should be aware that it may lead to a more longer and more painful than spontaneous labour”.
Maternity services will then have to take into account the impact of the generalized induction of labor on the capacity in labor rooms and on health personnel of course.
