Health 101: Inducing Labor

What are the risks of nonmedical induction?

It's tempting to induce to accommodate a busy schedule or to ensure family members are present for the birth. And sometimes you get misleading information that can complicate matters. For example, you may be told that your baby is "too big" and encouraged to induce -- or risk a c-section. However, you should still weigh your options carefully, cautions Mildred Ramirez, MD, associate professor at the University of Texas Health Sciences Medical School at Houston. Most of the time, ultrasound isn't accurate in predicting fetal weight. Your chance of having a c-section because you're inducing before your body is ready is about the same as having a c-section because your baby truly is too big, she explains.

It's best to make the decision to induce after weighing your options and discussing them with your doctor.