Concerns expressed over Rotunda trial involving inducing healthy first time mothers

86 women have taken part in the trial so far.

Experts have expressed their concerns about a trial involving inducing healthy first-time mothers at Dublin's Rotunda Hospital. The trial, which started in November 2020, has been criticised for how it is being advertised to pregnant women who may consider taking part. 86 women have taken part in the trial. A spokesperson for the Rotunda told Journal.ie: “For those women who choose induction of labour at 39 weeks, little is known about the most effective method. The Home Induction Trial aims to assess methods of induction in the outpatient setting at 39 weeks in first-time mothers." Their goal is to discover how to induce labour "safely and effectively”. They also believe many women will prefer this option because it gives them the opportunity to spend more time at home before birth. "Often preferred by mothers as they are happier in the comfort of their own homes." The experts are concerned about the trial because they're inducing healthy women with no complications in their pregnancies. Induction is often only used if a mum is passed her due date or if the mum or baby's health is at risk. They will also induce labour if the waters have broken but labour hasn't started. Experts say the trial is “overplaying the potential benefit” of inducing labour. They also stated that the advertisement doesn't warn expectant mothers about the potential risks and dangers associated with induction at 39 weeks. Potential risks include low heart rate, infection, uterine rupture, and bleeding after delivery. Most inductions lead to successful vaginal delivery, however, some fail and the mum may have to have a c-section.