Sally's interview with midwife Libby O'Donnell from The Lismore Birth House on post term pregnancy, induction, weighing up the risks and benefits, alternatives to induction and the importance of have a due period, (ie 38-42 weeks) rather than a due date (see NSW Health policy below).

Related links:
* "Recommendation:
Expectant mothers should be informed that there is only a 35% chance that they will actually go into labour during the week of their estimated date of birth (+/-3 days). Maternal anxiety may be alleviated if a range of dates (for example 38+0- 42+0 weeks) is substituted for a specific date of delivery, with the optimal time for birth being approximately 40+0 weeks gestation."
Management of Pregnancy Beyond 41 Weeks: http://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/PDS/pages/doc.aspx?dn=GL2014_015

* General overview of post term and induction
https://midwifethinking.com/2016/07/13/induction-of-labour-balancing-risks/

* A woman's uterus is only receptive to synthetic oxytocin hormones right at the very end of her pregnancy when she has sufficient oxytocin receptors to respond to it.
http://www.spreaker.com/user/pregnancybirthandbeyond/dr-sarah-buckley-on-the-hormones-ofbirth

* "Induction of labour carries inherent risk and must be exercised with caution. There needs to be clear benefits for the mother and/or the fetus. "
"Health care professionals offering induction of labour must:
• provide the woman with adequate time to discuss the information with her partner/support person before coming to a decision;
• encourage the woman to access a variety of sources of information;
• invite the woman to ask questions, and encourage her to think about her options; and
• support the woman in whatever decision she makes. "
http://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/PD2011_075.pdf

(Further info on informed consent: https://ama.com.au/ausmed/respect-informed-choices-pregnant-women-doctors-told

Aired on 99.9 BayFM Byron Bay on 22 August 2016

Produced and presented by Sally Cusack
Copyright PBB Media and Sally Cusack 2016
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