Is Induced Labor at 39 Weeks Best for Mom and Baby?

The Doctors are joined by Dr. Charly Lockwood, who conducted a study which found that induced labor at 39 weeks – one week earlier than a traditional due date – may reduce complications and reduce the chance of death.

About The Doctors:

The Doctors is an Emmy award-winning daytime talk show hosted by ER physician Dr. Travis Stork, plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Ordon and OB-GYN Dr. Nita Landry.

The Doctors helps you understand the latest health headlines, such as the ice bucket challenge for ALS and the Ebola outbreak; delivers exclusive interviews with celebrities dealing with health issues, such as Lamar Odom, Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham, reality stars Honey Boo Boo and Mama June, and activist Chaz Bono; brings you debates about health and safety claims from agricultural company Monsanto and celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy; and shows you the latest gross viral videos and explains how you can avoid an emergency situation. The Doctors also features the News in 2:00 digest of the latest celebrity health news and The Doctors’ Prescription for simple steps to get active, combat stress, eat better and live healthier.

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[hottymuffin]

I am scheduled to be induced this coming Tuesday Jan 26th, 2021. 🥳 i’ve been stuck at 3cm dilated and 50% effaced since 37 weeks. I can’t wait to have my baby girl in my arms 🥰❤️

[ashleyabel]

I was induced at 40 weeks with both babies. They were big babies and everything went smoothly.

[jeseniajrios]

If women were allowed to walk around while in labor and if we could be in different positions not just lying on back and lastly If doctors weren’t so money hungry we wouldn’t have this increase in cesarean sections. Just my two cents

[lynnettajones]

Im 38w3 and haven't dilated.. Doctor's want to induce me next week 39w1?? I don't know if I should. My pregnancy is healthy so I don't understand why I'm getting induced.

[skeelcourt]

I was born at 37 weeks, my brother came ten days early no problems

[aprilchow-chee]

I agree with him it also helps to prevent stillbirths if the placenta stops operating as it should

[ShadesofSage]

Hmm. I don’t know if I believe this study. A woman going into labor naturally is almost always the best case scenario. A medical induction without being medically necessary seems reckless to me.

[HoodCrazySouthSide]

Why does everyone rush the baby when they’re not even full term or past due? Mom being selectively induced at 37, 38, 39 and 40 weeks is crazy to me! Also it’s being pressured upon moms especially first time moms. Our bodies were built for this very moment and time! Yes I understand that there are cases where it’s necessary but for the cases where it’s just because the mom is ready or doctor is rushing it is not necessary! When the baby is ready to come that’s when the baby will come! God timing is perfect. Plus Pitocin has so many risk vs natural. Common sense.

[DaniS]

One doctor's study doesn't trump what is established medical practice which is not to induce if it is not medically necessary.

[linnatbu]

Just found out my dr scheduled me for an induction next week at 39 weeks and didn't even talk to me about it!!🥺 baby's great and I'm fine too! this stresses me out ... they talk as tho they care but don't show it really, please God help us!🙏🙏

[Kellyy]

My doctor said she was willing to induce me at 39 weeks because it was my second pregnancy. I considered it because my first baby was huge but what ended up happening is we waited til 40 weeks 1 day. Same as with my first born

[wcurry]

well well well.. 1st time mom and I will be 39 weeks on Friday. I had a cervix check 2 weeks ago and nothing and I have one tomorrow! wondering what my doc will want to do if my cervix has not started to open? My boyfriend wants to just let baby boy decided when he wants to come! I do too but I also do not wanna put my lil man or self in any harm... so confusing!

[LaelMitchell]

I think people should just leave babies alone and let them come when they are ready. Modern medicine does way too much these days and lacks patience

[mohammedislam]

This is something that involves the pharmaceutical companies attached to hospital administrative policies. The real question is "how can we get more money out from people's insurance companies from a business point of view and manage the intake of patients

the human body is one of the most complex organism, not even talking about other mammals, all of a sudden Lockwood knows more than millions of years of nature and natural birthing process. If the human body was unable to exit the baby with labor, the baby would never have started its growth from the inside, we would be like chickens hatching from eggs.

Our parents gave birth to us in the village with midwives with no medical interventions, not even epidural, one of the reason why labor was so short for them. Because artificial intervention elongates the process of labor. If your body is not ready, its not ready. As a mother you will know when your body is ready. Not to mention that study has flaws. Induction is for serious critical situations, where there is imminent danger.

[mailboxxy]

My due date is June 21st 2022. If my baby doesn't come (which will be my 40 week mark) I have a scheduled induction. I am fearful of pitocin because I heard fast labor. I was 2cm dilated at my last 39 week appt. I've been doing the deed, eating pineapple, doing yoga, eating dates.. even walking more than normal. 6/16/22 I did my own form of yoga and contracted for what seemed like 45mins for every 5 mins. 6/18 I had 0 contractions at all even during her normal movement time. I thought that was very odd. She goes from being ready to go out at night, to back up into the belly during the day so I'm honestly confused. I thought I was leaking amniotic fluid today in a light trickle but learned it could be leukorrhea. I don't want to go into the hospital if my body isn't ready because I know they send you home if you're not to a certain dilation.. or leaking.. my scheduled induction is in 6 days. I am hoping to go into labor. This is my 2nd daughter. I had my water break at 37 +5 days with my 1st. She weighed 6 pounds 15oz. 7/29/19.. so there is some concern where I have had literally (no change or progress on what it feels like) since my last cervix check.

[Al-mbpe]

Any studies you can refer with names showing that morbidity is a cause when babies are born after 40 weeks??

[SamsarahMorgan]

Someone should teach this guy about the Bishops score…

[desithinker]

Not true. I had an elective induction at 39 weeks ended up having a C section after intense pain. Still traumatized. Don't go for it. If you want a normal vaginal delivery then wait or else you will not be happy with your birth experience like me...

[theKiaraGennae]

I’m definitely asking to be induced today. I’m 39 weeks and it’s time for baby to meet the world. I plan to get induced this week or on my due date if possible.

[G_Lob]

Thank you for the informative video! I'm 37w5 and if baby girl doesn't come out on her own by next weekend (39w2) I may get induced due to my Midwife leaving for vacation 🙄 and I don't want anyone else to deliver but also hesitant to be induced. I do fall in your categiry of this being my 1st baby and no complications and she is head down. So we will see. I might try a membrane sweep at 39w 🤞