Inducing pregnant women once they reach 37 weeks can lower the chance of neonatal death, asphyxia and cerebral palsy, a study has suggested.

The research suggests the practice of proactive labour induction has improved outcomes for babies in Denmark, where a quarter of women pregnant beyond 37 weeks have labour induced.

Researchers found this corresponded with a simultaneous halving of stillbirths.

The study, which analysed 770,926 babies born in Denmark over a 13-year period, found the risk of neonatal death went down from 1.9 to one per 1,000 births from 2000 to 2012.

The risk of asphyxia decreased by 23 per cent from 2003 to 2012, while there was a decrease in the incidence rate of cerebral palsy by 26 per cent from 2002 to 2010.

Meanwhile, the proportion of infants born weighing more than 4,500g – known as macrosomia – decreased by a third and peripheral nerve injury decreased by 43 per cent.

Risk factors such as smoking, increased maternal age, first-time motherhood, multiple pregnancies and a higher body mass index were all taken into account in the study.

The research paper adds that awareness of the dangers relating to smoking grew during the period it analysed, corresponding with a significant reduction in pregnant smokers and contributing to the decrease in stillbirths but only marginally affecting the study.

While women are technically considered to be full-term at 37 weeks, most go into labour between 38 and 42 weeks, with current guidelines stating that uncomplicated pregnancies should be induced in weeks 41 to 42.

Ojvind Lidegaard, from the University of Copenhagen and co-author of the study, said: “We have seen significant reductions in newborn asphyxia, neonatal mortality, macrosomia and peripheral nerve injuries. Another similar study we conducted recently also demonstrated a halving of stillbirths following the implementation of proactive labour induction practice.

The findings are published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Alan Cameron, vice president for clinical quality at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “This is a very interesting study which highlights that proactive labour induction in Denmark has seen improved perinatal outcomes, including the reduced risk of neonatal death, large babies, asphyxia and cerebral palsy.

“Induction is very common, is offered for good medical reasons and is safe. However, it can be less efficient and more painful than spontaneous labour. Induction can also place more strain on labour wards than spontaneous labour and these factors must also be considered.

“Treatment and care should always take into account women’s individual needs and preferences. Women should have the opportunity to make informed decisions in partnership with their healthcare professionals.”

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