I do think that medical intervention has it's place in the birth of a baby, but only when it is medically required.

WRT over-diagnosis of CPD I just wanted to add that since I first posted in this, my SIL had her baby via c/s. She was apparently 'overdue' by 10 days (but keeping in mind her dates had varied alot during the pg) and was put in for a gel induction. When that failed twice, she was told she would have to have a c/s because she was already 10 days post dates. She was never asked if she would like a u/s to check placental function and being a first mum she wouldn't have known to ask. So instead of waiting it out, she agreed to the c/s. When he was born he was covered in vernix, much like an early baby would be and he looked nowhere near 'overcooked'.

I asked SIL afterwards if she would try for a VBAC next time and she said her ob told her that when they did the c/s she found that her pelvis was 'long and narrow' (how can a pelvis be long and narrow?) and making her unable to ever delivery naturally. Mind you she hadn't even dialated at all, so how can they make that diagnosis when the pelvis hadn't even tried to birth her baby? In a way I feel she has been ripped off because she was never given the chance to try and she is sort of naive enough to go with the Dr's opinion.

I apologise if I've rambled, but this has really annoyed me and since i have been here at BB I have learnt so much about the birthing process and I think Doctors should be obligated to offer a second opinion or an u/s before just going and doing stuff like that and making sure the mother is informed of her choices, because not every mum will know to ask for these things.