NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Mar 26 - An analysis of data of births in the US from 1989 to 1998 finds that the rate of induced labor more than doubled during the period, researchers report. 
Dr. Jun Zhang, from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, and colleagues used US natality data to investigate the rate of induced labor. They looked at data by year, geographic region, maternal characteristics, and pregnancy complications. 

During 1989 to 1998 the rate of induced labor rose from 9.5% of all births in the US to 19.4%, the investigators report. The rate of induced births, however, varied by state, from 10.9% in Hawaii to 41.6% in Wisconsin, Dr. Zhang's team notes. 

Higher rates of induced labor were tied white race, higher educational level, and early prenatal care. The researchers found that the increase in induced labor for clinical reasons was significantly slower than the overall increase, "suggesting that elective induction has risen much more rapidly." 

If this trend continues, the national average for induced labor could reach 30% by 2007, according to the report in the February issue of The Journal of Reproductive Medicine. 

Dr. Zhang and colleagues argue that the popularity of elective induction may lead to a large increase in the number of cesarean deliveries in nulliparas. "Considering the direct financial costs and potential increase in maternal morbidity and likelihood of repeat cesarean delivery in subsequent pregnancies, the convenience of elective induction of labor may bear a stiff price."

Janice Reynolds

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