Induction of labour or Spontaneous labour?

The Australian health and Welfare report of 2026 shows that the rate of spontaneous labour has reduced sine 2010. Interestingly, between 2020 and 2022 there was a slight increase in spontaneous labour.

An induction of labour is a medical intervention that may be necessary if a complication of pregnancy occurs. Such as, but not limited to, uncontrolled diabetes, pre-eclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension, growth/health concerns for the baby. If the risks of pregnancy are greater than the risks of induction then the mother and her partner will have a discussion with an obstetrician to weigh things up and make a decision.

The induction rate in Australia ranges between 38.5% (Vic) – 44.1% (NT). Unfortunately there are no stats available for the rate of complications in pregnancy but it would nowhere near 38%.

So if it’s a low risk pregnancy, why is it important to allow labour to start on its own? When the mother and baby are ready…. Labour will start.

Here is a paragraph from the book,  “In Your Own Time”, by Dr. Sara Wickham. She is a midwifery researcher who has analysed all the research and written this easy to read book for women.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, maternal antibodies are passed to the baby. Antibodies that will help fight infections the first days and weeks of life. The baby gains weight and strength, stores iron and develops more co-ordinated sucking and swallowing abilities. His lungs mature and he stores brown fat that will help him maintain body temperature in the first days and weeks following birth. The maturing baby and the aging placenta trigger a prostaglandin increase that softens the cervix in readiness for effacement and dilation. A rise in oestrogen and a decrease in progesterone increase the uterine sensitivity to oxytocin. The baby moves down into the pelvis. Contractions in the last weeks may start the effacement and dilatation of the cervix. A burst of energy helps pregnant women make final preparations and insomnia prepares them of the start of round the clock parenting. The watchful waiting and the intense wanting of the big day to arrive are all part of natures plan. When the baby, uterus, placenta and hormones are ready, labour will start. Additionally all that preparation set the stage for an easier labour and a fully mature baby who is physiologically stable and able to breastfeed well, right from the start.