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Hello. This Is Christin. I Was Wondering If Pregnant Women
Question: Hello. This is Christin. I was wondering if pregnant women 35 and over are offered induction at 39 weeks because their pregnancies are high risk.
Brief Answer:
There is no definite evidence if this is beneficial or not
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a doctor service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Labour induction has it's own clear indication in certain cases or conditions. As for the advanced mother's age, this still remains a grey area. Some suggest labour induction at 39 weeks or above in women 35 years old or more to prevent stillbirths (stillbirth rate is higher after 35 years of age).
Some other experts say that the benefit of reducing stillbirths may be negated by the complications of labor induction.
At the moment, more studies are needed to definitely determine if it is favourable to induce labour at 39 weeks in older patients.
Other factors may affect the decision if labor induction is needed so the OB- GYN doctor should decide on individual bases if labour induction may improve outcomes in a certain patient.
To conclude:
- there is no unified opinion if it is more beneficial to induct labour in older mothers or not
- stillbirth rate reduction can be negated by complications of labour induction
- the doctor needs to take several factors into consideration before deciding if labor induction is beneficial (if there is presence of any condition that may affect the mother's health and/or the child's wellbeing)
- Finally, because there is no unified medical opinion related to this matter, very likely the decision will lay with the doctor and his experience and with the patient and her preference.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
There is no definite evidence if this is beneficial or not
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a doctor service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Labour induction has it's own clear indication in certain cases or conditions. As for the advanced mother's age, this still remains a grey area. Some suggest labour induction at 39 weeks or above in women 35 years old or more to prevent stillbirths (stillbirth rate is higher after 35 years of age).
Some other experts say that the benefit of reducing stillbirths may be negated by the complications of labor induction.
At the moment, more studies are needed to definitely determine if it is favourable to induce labour at 39 weeks in older patients.
Other factors may affect the decision if labor induction is needed so the OB- GYN doctor should decide on individual bases if labour induction may improve outcomes in a certain patient.
To conclude:
- there is no unified opinion if it is more beneficial to induct labour in older mothers or not
- stillbirth rate reduction can be negated by complications of labour induction
- the doctor needs to take several factors into consideration before deciding if labor induction is beneficial (if there is presence of any condition that may affect the mother's health and/or the child's wellbeing)
- Finally, because there is no unified medical opinion related to this matter, very likely the decision will lay with the doctor and his experience and with the patient and her preference.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you. You have made me realize that it all comes down to the individual patients needs as well as doctors advice. You were very informative.
Brief Answer:
It is my pleasure to assist you
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Thank you for the positive feedback. It is my pleasure to assist you.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
It is my pleasure to assist you
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Thank you for the positive feedback. It is my pleasure to assist you.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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