Induction of Labor and Cesarean Delivery

Abstract

At the heart of obstetrical care is a seemingly simple calculus: when are the benefits of delivery greater than the benefits of continued pregnancy? However, making this determination is anything but straightforward, given the potentially conflicting needs of the mother and the needs of her offspring, which must both be taken into account to maximize maternal and perinatal health.

In the absence of maternal or fetal complications, current consensus favors the consideration of delivery between 41 weeks 0 days and 42 weeks 0 days of gestation. In addition, for these women, delivery is recommended after 42 weeks 0 days and . . .