Evidence Based Birth®

At the 41-week mark in pregnancy, conversations and decisions about induction can start to feel more urgent and complex. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Dr. Sara Ailshire share why the 41st week has become such a focus in maternity care and what the evidence actually says about induction at this milestone.   They discuss elective induction versus expectant management and key findings from major studies like the INDEX and SWEPIS trials. They also talk through potential benefits and risks, including changes in stillbirth risk, newborn outcomes, and maternal experiences.   Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of stillbirth. Please take care while listening.   (00:05:58) How common is labor induction? U.S. rates and challenges with data accuracy (00:09:25) Medically indicated vs. elective induction (00:15:24) The limits of research on induction vs. expectant management (00:20:18) The INDEX trial (00:28:36) Follow-up observational study to INDEX: preferences, Cesarean rates, and outcomes (00: