#469: Should 38-Week Induction For Big Babies Become A Thing?

This week, Blyss and Stu take a deep dive into the increasingly popular recommendation of inducing labor at 38 weeks for suspected “big babies”.Prompted by a recent social media post from a prominent obstetric influencer, they examine two studies being used to justify earlier inductions for "big babies" and ask an important question: do the data actually support the conclusions being promoted?Along the way, Blyss and Stu challenge listeners to look beyond headlines and social media summaries, examine how studies are designed, and consider whether interventions are being recommended based on meaningful risk reduction, or simply because they can be.The episode emphasizes the importance of respecting nature's design, individualizing care, and helping families understand the difference between relative risk, absolute risk, and true informed choice.References:AJOG MFM Article: Induction at 38 weeks for large-for-gestational-age or macrosomic fetuses decreases the incidence of cesarean delivery: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialshttps://www.ajogmfm.org/article/S2589-9333(26)00008-X/fulltextThe Lancet Article: Induction of labour versus standard care to prevent shoulderdystocia in fetuses suspected to be large for gestational age in the UK (the Big Baby trial): a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trialhttps://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2825%2900162-XBirthing Instincts Podcast #431: "Hold Your Beer" It's Fetal Macrosomia Guidelineshttps://open.spotify.com/episode/1MJg92Du4WLUn7P8ypPBVc?si=SJ6YtH6CRMKClgCDGdXXqwDiscussed in This EpisodeAnalysis of the BIG BABY TrialWhy statistical significance does not always equal clinical significanceWhat shoulder dystocia rates actually meanLarge-for-gestational-age (LGA) v true macrosomiaAccuracy limitations of estimated fetal weightHow labels like "big baby" often trigger cascades of interventionDifferences between physiologic birth and hospital managementWhat informed consent should actually look like when discussing risksThe often-overlooked downstream consequences of routine inductionPodcast Produced by: Raquel Hernandez, Pride and Joy Doula Care This show is supported byLMNT | Got to drinklmnt.com/birthinginstincts to get a free sample pack with any orderChristian Hypnobirthing | Go to christianhypnobirthing.com and use the code BI50 for 50% off the first three months of your monthly subscription.Restorative Roots | Go to restorativeroots.com and use code BIRTHINGINSTINCTS to get $20 offGirls Who Know | Go to girlswhoknow.com and use  code INSTINCTS for 15% offCaraway Home | Go to Carawayhome.com/instincts for an additional 10% off, or use code INSTINCTS at checkout!Connect with Dr. Stu and BlyssJoin our Patreon! patreon.com/birthinginstinctspodcastInstagram: @birthinginstincts/@wovenmoon_Website: birthinginstincts.com/birthingblyss.comEmail: [email protected] webpage: birthinginstinctspodcast.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands