How often does an induction end in a caesarean?

[JellyBean]

Hi Miss excited,

I don't know the exact statistics, but it is a fact that the risk of caesarian section is increased with artificial induction compared with labour which starts spontaneously (naturally).
This is because, left to nature, a baby actually releases the hormones required to trigger labour, at a time when the baby feels ready to enter the world. The natural hormones that are released generally cause the labour contractions to come on slowly, gradually building in intensity and length so that the woman is better able to cope with the pain and the baby does not become distressed.
The hormones given intravenously to trigger labour contractions catch the baby 'offguard'. They also cause the uterus to start contracting harder and faster than they would naturally - which can cause the baby to become distressed, leading to irregular heartbeat and often a subsequent caesarian. The sudden onset of contractions also increase the likelihood of a woman opting for pain relief much sooner than she would naturally, and this can lead to a cascade of intervention (ie - epidural requires a catheta to be inserted into the urethra as the bladder becomes numb and the woman is then confined to the bed, pethidine slows down the labour and causes the heart rate & breathing of the baby to slow down significantly... etc etc).

The biggest problem here is the emphasis that is placed in obstetric care on the EDD (Estimated Due Date). It is a very old fashioned method for determining the date of birth and it is an estimate at best. For example, if you planted an apple tree would you expect all the apples of the first sprout to ripen and fall off the tree at the exact same time? Of course not. Babies are exactly the same. Some need 38 weeks in the womb, others 42 - and both are perfectly normal. If women only trusted the the innate knowledge of their babies and their bodies to do what they were meant to do- instead of being pressured by some 'expert' in a white coat saying 'your baby is overdue - we need to induce' then the rate of intervention at birth would be significantly lower.
Of course there are rare circumstances where induction may be necessary, but having a baby that is 3 days or 7 days overdue is not a valid reason at all and actually poses a far greater risk to the baby. This, in my opinion is the greatest tragedy of the birthing business today - and a business it is. Over the last century or so, women's power and knowledge of their bodies and the natural birthing process have been whitewashed by the system.
Ok - I'll stop rambling now. Let your babies come when they want to!!!! Know your rights and don't allow others to make decisions for you!!! The term 'overdue' is a fallacy - your baby is due when he or she decides to come and they know far better than we do!!!!

XXXX