Research led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine with the University of Cambridge showed that inducing labour in first-time mothers, aged 35 or over, one to two weeks earlier, was linked to a 66% reduction in the risk of the stillbirth or death of a baby within seven days of birth, according to new research published in PLOS Medicine.

Current UK national guidelines recommend induction of labour is offered to pregnant women one to two weeks after the due date to prevent risks associated with prolonged pregnancy to both the mother and the baby. Although the absolute risk of pregnancy complications, including stillbirth, are low, they are higher for women having their first baby at age 35 or over.

Senior author Professor Gordon Smith, (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) said, “The study indicates that women aged 35 or over in their first pregnancy should consider induction of labour at their due date. Our best estimate is that one stillbirth would be prevented for every 562 inductions of labour. Some women might prefer to avoid induction and to accept this small risk. Other women may opt for induction given concerns about the possibility of stillbirth, but a key aspect of the paper is that this analysis provides the best evidence for the magnitude of the risk and allows women to make an informed choice.”  Read more …