Inducing labour in women with suspected large babies shows benefits

Inducing labour in women with suspected large babies reduces birth fractures and mean birth weight and does not increase the rate of caesarean section or instrumental birth, a Cochrane review has found.1

Large babies, those over 4 kg (9 lb), are at increased risk of shoulder dystocia and trauma, particularly fractures and brachial plexus injury. Women with suspected fetal macrosomia are at greater risk of caesarean section or instrumental birth.

Inducing labour early may reduce birth injuries, but, if done too early, …