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

ObjectivesTo determine the views of UK women and obstetricians relating to induction of labour at term for women over 35 years of age.Study designCross-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.ResultsTwo 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.ConclusionsThe 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.