Some questions to ask before you agree to being induced…
Is your Obstetrician recommending an induction because:
- You’re 39 weeks
- You have gained a little more weight than they’d like
- You are over 35 years old
- You’ve been told, “Your baby’s going to be too big.”
- Any other reason
- You’re a first time mom (yes, this is a thing)
Recommending an induction seems to be more and more common these days. According to the CDC, labor induction rates increased from 29.5% in 2023 to 34.5% 2024. There’s been a step and steady increase in the numbers since 2016.
But, just because your doc is offering or even recommending an induction for whatever reason (short of an emergency situation), you absolutely do not have to agree to it. Here are some questions you can ask your obstetrician to help you make an informed decision whether you want to say “no” or “I’d rather wait” to your provider.
- Do you recommend induction because of ____ to all your patients?
- Would you clarify the reason you’re recommending this induction now? Is my baby in danger? Am I in danger? Is there a specific medical concern at this point?
- What do you see as the benefit of inducing right now? What risk will it reduce for me or my baby?
- Would you please give me the specific steps for what you’re recommending and the medications and/or procedures you’ll be using? And what other interventions might be needed if one of these doesn’t work?
- May we discuss the alternatives from your viewpoint?
- If I decide to wait, what might go wrong?
At that point you can ask for some time to consider or you can proceed with booking the induction. Once booked, you can always continue to research for yourself and reschedule if you’re not comfortable proceeding.
Most doulas recommend clients use the B.R.A.I.N acronym to help bring these questions to mind when they’re discussing with their provider.
B. Benefits of what’s being recommended.
R. Risks of any procedure, medicine, intervention to both you and your baby
A. Alternative options
I. Intuition – what is your gut saying right now
N. No, or nothing right now, or need to think it over
Birth is normal but there are som “medical emergency” situations where an induction is absolutely necessary. Be ready for the discussion and you’ll walk out of your appointment still in control of your birth, your way!
Annette Yen, the Oma Doula is a birth and bereavement doula at Oma Doula Birth Services as well as a Perinatal Patient Advocate in McHenry County Illinois and surrounding areas. You can follow her online at www.omadoula.com or on Instagram at @omabirthdoula.