Two-thirds of women weren’t told of risks of inducing labour, national study reveals

Many women felt insufficiently informed about the risks of induction

The University of Limerick study analysed the experiences of 1,091 women, and found that 49.3% said they were not fully involved in their induction decision, and some even felt like they didn't have adequate information.

Some of the main risks of inducing labour include fetal distress because of strong contractions, which can affect the fetal heart rate, infection, and an increase in the pain you feel.

Other risks include needing to have a C-section if the induction fails, postpartum hemorrhage, and in some cases, doctors may need to use forceps/ventouse.

A uterine rupture is a rarer risk.

The team analysed an online survey of new mums' birth experiences between 2018 and 2023.

Writing in the journal Birth, the team stated:

"The findings of our national survey on birth in Ireland indicate that there are significant issues around decision-making and consent in relation to the induction of labour.

"Involvement in decision-making, knowledge around inductions and informed refusal was significantly higher among women with previous pregnancies, and maternity care in private health care."

"Evidence shows that in some situations, induction of labour may reduce maternal and foetal adverse outcomes and stillbirths, for example, for severe pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction."

It is understood that around a third of births are artificially induced in Ireland. An induction may be recommended if your baby is ‘past the due date' or 'too big'.

However, the team found that inductions for reasons like the above "don't improve maternal or foetal adverse outcomes."

Only 33.2% of new mothers felt well-informed by their medical team. A further 19.3% admitted they were given information about induction, but felt like it wasn't enough to truly understand the risks involved, as well as the benefits, and alternatives.

You can read the full report here.