Induction of labour at term for women over 35 years old: a survey of the views of women and obstetricians

Objectives: To determine the views of UK women and obstetricians relating to induction of labour at term for women over 35 years of age.

Study design: Cross-sectional web-based survey sent to members of the British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society (BMFMS) and pregnant or recently delivered members of a large social network site for parents (www.mumsnet.com). One hundred and twenty-eight consultant obstetrician members of BMFMS and 663 pregnant or recently delivered women responded.

Results: Two hundred and eighty-eight women (43%) would consider induction of labour for maternal age alone, and 192 women (29%) would consider participating in a randomised trial of induction of labour at term versus expectant management in a future pregnancy. Three percent (n=4) of consultant obstetricians offer induction of labour at term to women at 35-39 years of age, 37% (n=47) to women at 40-44 years of age and 55% (n=70) to those over 45 years. Sixty-one consultants (48%) would participate in a trial to test the effect of a policy of induction for nulliparous women over 35 years old.

Conclusions: The policy of offering induction of labour at term for advanced maternal age is widespread and a significant percentage of women consider it to be a valid indication.