High Induction Rates in Irish Hospitals Raise ConcernsHigh Induction Rates in Irish Hospitals Raise Concerns Alarmingly high rates of labor induction have been reported in Irish maternity hospitals, with over half of new mothers being induced. A study revealed that 71.4% of women gave birth through induction at one particular hospital. Dr. Krysia Lynch, representing AIMS Ireland, expressed concern over these statistics, questioning why induction has become standard practice. She suggests that the perception of due dates as inflexible and a desire for greater control over the birth process may contribute to these high rates. Additionally, defensive medicine, medicalization of childbirth, and limited resources such as midwives and obstetricians may play a role. The HSE’s induction guidelines emphasize potential complications but give less attention to women’s birth experiences. A recent English study also found concerning induction rates, ranging from 19.2% to 53.4%. Researchers recommend improved guidance and pathways to ensure safety in induction of labor. Studies indicate that induction can lead to longer hospital stays, increased pain relief, and additional fetal monitoring and vaginal examinations. Despite these concerns, the HSE’s guidelines state that induction is appropriate when the benefits outweigh those of continued pregnancy. However, women should be fully informed about the potential implications and make informed choices regarding their childbirth experience.
At least half of new mothers in Irish hospitals have induced labor, with this rate reaching 71.4% in one hospital.
Induction is the act of artificially inducing labor in a woman, either with medication or manually, and new data from Irish maternity hospitals has revealed this is becoming increasingly common.
The Irish findings are consistent with those of a study in English maternity hospitals, which found similar induction rates.
Dr. Krysia Lynch, chair of maternity advocacy group AIMS Ireland, said the high introduction rates raise questions about why this has become a normal practice.
Figures from Cork University Maternity Hospital show that the induction rate among new mothers was 43.8% in January, rose slightly to 43.9% in February and then fell to 42.1% in March.
The rate at University Maternity Hospital Limerick ranged between 42.9% and 45.4%, while approximately 50% of new mothers in Clonmel were induced at Tipperary University Hospital.
The highest recorded rate occurred at Portiuncula Hospital in January, when 71.4% of new mothers were induced.
Dr. Krysia Lynch said a rate of 5% or 10% could be expected, but these numbers indicate the approach has become the norm.
Dr. Lynch described the figures as “shocking”. He said a rate of 5% or 10% could be expected, but these figures indicate the approach has become the norm.
One of the reasons for the high rates, she suggested, was a sense that due dates are thought to be “set in stone”, so when women transition, induction is more likely to be suggested.
Induction can be a way “to control the birth process,” Dr. Lynch said.
Underlying reasons for this could be the practice of defensive medicine to avoid increased risks, or a move toward medicalization of births, she said.
She also suggested it could be a way to “maximize scarce resources,” including the low number of midwives or obstetricians.
Dr. Lynch also discussed the HSE’s new induction guidelines, which include 16 recommendations on potential complications of induction, but only three on women’s birth experience, including “continuous emotional support”.
During a maternity conference last weekend, several women shared positive and negative experiences with the introduction.
The seminar also heard from the Baby Feeding Law Group on infant feeding and the industry’s impact on women’s choices.
There was also a discussion about abortion services and safety during birth.
The data from AIMS Ireland is similar to an English study published in February that identified an induction rate of 19.2% to 53.4% in 54 maternity hospitals, with a median of 36.3%.
The survey found that “induction was a concern” in 44% of hospitals.
The findings from ‘Induction of labor care in the UK: A cross-sectional survey of maternity units’, published in the journal recommended better guidance and pathways to improve safety.
The authors said: “Evidence has broadened the indications for IOL (induction of labour) and rates continue to rise, while at the same time the pressure on maternity care staff is high.
“Our study highlights the need to support local maternity units to provide a safe, effective and woman-centred IOL pathway.”
In the HSE’s simple summary of maternity care given to patients, women are told that induction takes place when the benefit of labor outweighs the benefit of continuing labor.
This warns women that this decision may result in a longer hospital stay, an increase in their need for pain relief, and increased fetal monitoring and vaginal examinations, among other things.
