The rise of induction rates…
Have you been offered an induction? Have you been able to find all the information you need to make an informed decision whether this is the right path for you to take?
In the UK, the reported rate of induction has increased to 33% in 2022/2023 from 23% of all births with known method of onset in 2012/2013. The induction “chat” seems to be happening earlier and earlier, with some people reporting being offered intervention from 39 weeks pregnant.
If you are in the process of making this decision, Sara Wickham’s book Inducing Labour: Making Informed Decisions, is a must-read. It’s like having a friendly, knowledgeable midwife sit down with you to explain all the details about induction in a way that actually makes sense.
Sara dives into all the big questions:
- When is induction a good idea?
- When might it be better to wait for things to happen naturally?
- What are the risks and benefits of both options?
She talks about all kinds of situations, like if your pregnancy goes past your due date, if your waters break early, or if your doctor is worried about your age or the size of your baby. The best part? Sara doesn’t just dish out info—she really champions the idea that everyone’s situation is unique.
One of the main messages is about trusting your body. She’s all for women making their own choices based on solid information and what feels right for them. Of course, they also lay out the potential pros and cons of induction, so you can weigh them and decide what works best for you.
The book isn’t super medical or hard to understand, which makes it great for expectant parents who might feel overwhelmed by all the jargon. But it’s also helpful for healthcare professionals who want a better understanding of what families might be thinking and feeling about induction.
What’s really empowering is how Sara encourages open conversations between pregnant people and their healthcare teams. It’s all about making sure you have the info you need to make decisions that work for you.
If you’re curious about the topic, you can check out more of Sara Wickham’s resources on her website, which has loads of articles and advice on this and other pregnancy-related topics. And if you want to dive deeper, her book is available online from places like Amazon.
