# Elective induction at 39 weeks

**Should we choose an elective induction at 39 weeks?**

Induction means using medication or other methods to start labor rather than waiting for it to begin. This is about being offered induction at 39 weeks without a medical reason, versus waiting or inducing only if needed.

In short: Parents choose between 4 main approaches: Induce at 39 weeks; Induce at 41; Wait with monitoring; Decline unless medically indicated. Evidence: experts disagree. Credible bodies or researchers disagree — decide whose guidance you'll weigh. Best settled: during pregnancy.

- Area: Pregnancy, birth and arrival
- Evidence: Experts disagree
- Best settled: During pregnancy
- First published: 2026-10-03
- Last updated: 2026-10-05
- Page: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/topics/pregnancy-birth-and-arrival--elective-induction-at-39-weeks

## Elective induction at 39 weeks: what are the options?

1. **Induce at 39 weeks**: You choose to have labor started at 39 weeks.
2. **Induce at 41**: You wait, and have labor started if the baby has not come by 41 weeks.
3. **Wait with monitoring**: You wait for labor to start by itself, with extra check-ups after the due date.
4. **Decline unless medically indicated**: You only agree to induction if there is a medical reason.

## Elective induction at 39 weeks: what does the evidence say?

**Experts disagree.** Credible bodies or researchers disagree — decide whose guidance you'll weigh.

ARRIVE trial: cesarean 18.6% with induction versus 22.2% waiting. ACOG calls it reasonable to offer; the midwives' college discourages it; UK and Canada do not recommend it routinely

Sources:

- [Evidence Based Birth](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/arrive/)

## What else is worth knowing?

Induction uses medication or other methods to start labor. Being offered it at 39 weeks without a medical reason is now common in some places and not recommended routinely in others. It usually means a longer hospital stay and more monitoring, so ask your provider about their reasons and your options.

## Questions to ask each other

- What would make us say yes to an induction offered without a medical reason?
- What would we ask our provider before deciding?
- How do we feel about waiting past the due date?

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General information, not medical advice. Two parents can each answer this and compare: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/explore?cat=pregnancy-birth-and-arrival&topic=pregnancy-birth-and-arrival--elective-induction-at-39-weeks