Kate Middleton - Pressure for Induction?

Pressure for Induction?

Imagine the pressure Kate Middleton is under at the moment to consider induction. The Queen was heard saying yesterday

 "I would very much like it to arrive. I’m going on holiday."

Not only does Kate have her family and friends to contend with, but pretty much all of the world is awaiting her news.

Following yesterday's blog 'Due Date' I found this article by Milli Hill Founder of The Positive Birth Movement:

The Dodgy Truth about Kate's Due Date.




"It might surprise you to know that due date calculation is based, not on an ultra modern piece of science, but on a bungled theory about moon cycles made up by a doctor called Naegele in 1812. Unfortunately Naegele didn't seem to be very good at maths, and his dodgy old sums mean that the length of pregnancy could be as much as 15 days longer than his '40 weeks' target. Nevertheless, 40 weeks remains the length of time we accept as accurate - and don't get excited about scan dates either – they are simply based on the same theory."

I'd never heard of Franz Naegele, but since learnt he was a German Obstetrician 1812. Wikipedia offers more information on Naegele's Rule and the way in which the medical profession use it.

 Naegele's Rule

Hill Continues:

"Research shows that the likelihood of giving birth 'on time' is exceptionally slim, and that the average first time mother has her baby 8 days 'late'. But in spite of this, and the fact that due dates are pretty widely accepted to be 'only an estimate', women still find themselves coming under all sorts of pressure once they reach them, with UK NICE guidelines suggesting that induction be offered any time from a week 'overdue'. Often, other interventions like 'sweeps' can start to be offered even before the due date, 'just to get things started'.

It's funny how there seems to be such little trust when it comes to pregnancy and birth, and a real desire to meddle and control. The fuss over due dates is a perfect example of this – our obsession with them, and the panic when they pass by, gives the message that a woman's body simply can't be trusted to have a baby by itself. This lack of trust is passed on to women, filling them with doubt and anxiety just at the time when they most need to believe in their body's abilities!"

If Kate Middleton is wanting a natural birth (as it has been reported) let's hope she is filled with the strength and faith she needs to get what she wants.