I've pinched myself a few times over the past 24 hours and I can verify that this isn't a dream. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recently released a statement titled "Choosing Wisely: Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question" where inductions were mentioned in 2 of the 5 items!
From the statement:
2. Don’t schedule elective, non-medically indicated inductions of labor between 39 weeks 0 days and 41 weeks 0 days unless the cervix is deemed favorable.
Number 1 isn't too shocking. The March of Dimes and their awesome campaign has really seemed to limit scheduled inductions and Csections prior to 39 weeks. Its number 2 that is the one to really pay attention to. ACOG is saying that inductions shouldn't be done if the cervix isn't favorable! YAHOO!! They even go on to say "Ideally, labor should start on its own initiative whenever possible." Can you see me dancing? ACOG is finally making a statement saying that it isn't just waiting until after 39 weeks, but that it should be done if mom's body isn't ready. Of course I would really be dancing if it would have said something like "let labor begin on its own whenever possible", but I'll take "unless the cervix is deemed favorable".
Could this mean that we see a decline in inductions for convenience? Could this mean that I won't have another client being sent for an induction when her cervix isn't favorable?
I am so hopeful that this statement will make some changes to induction policy and maybe we can eventually see the csection rate decrease.
What will you do with this information? I encourage you to get the word out...blog, tweet and do a Facebook post about it. Tell your clients and students about it. It's big news. Let's make the most of it.
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