03/30/2026
We hear a lot about the ARRIVE Study. As doulas, this is definitely a publication we've struggled with as it doesn't assess birth experience and autonomy.
However, newer research is adding more to the conversation 👇
A 2024 study published in Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care looked at real-world births. It found something important:
✨ Induction at 39 weeks may lower c-section rates based on the ARRIVE study in a somewhat controlled study
BUT
✨ In everyday clinical practice, induction was associated with a higher chance of c-section
👉 This newer study looked at outcomes from an entire population (Victoria, Australia) and not a controlled trial.
It found:
✔️ Only after 40 weeks did induction show a benefit in reducing perinatal mortality
✔️ For lower-risk pregnancies, non-medically indicated induction may carry its own risks
So what does this mean for you?
It’s not about “induction is bad” or “induction is good”
It’s about informed decision-making, having autonomy, and providers respecting a desire for spontaneous labor.
Spontaneous labor has benefits when there's no medical concerns for the birthing person or baby. Parents deserve accurate information to make informed decisions that also align with birth preferences.
When induction is offered, try using BRAIN:
🧠Benefits
🧠Risks
🧠Alternatives
🧠Intuition
🧠Nothing (what if we wait?)
You deserve to understand your options and have autonomy in your birth experience.
Save this for your next provider conversation
& share with someone navigating pregnancy decisions
👇 Did your provider discuss BOTH risks and benefits of induction?
.
