LIVE Class

39-Week Elective Induction

Where Have We Arrived?

with Henci Goer
Thursday, 13 November 2025 at 19h UK time
Since its publication, the ARRIVE trial* has influenced labour management with its finding that compared with expectant management, elective induction of first labours at 39 weeks reduced Caesareans without affecting neonatal outcomes.

While the position in the UK is more conservative on elective induction at 39 weeks, it is becoming a growing practice in European countries such as France, Germany or Spain.

In this class, US based birth options expert, author and educator, Henci Goer questions above findings, looking into potential biases in terms of the philosophy and practices of those conducting the trial and managing the pregnancies and labours of its participants.

*The ARRIVE study (A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management) was carried out in the US between March 2014 and August 2017.

In this class John Wilks explores the history and uses of suction, vacuum extraction and ventouse and examines the implications for postnatal treatment approaches for both mum and baby.

John has been practising the Bowen Technique and Craniosacral Therapy full time since 1995. He is the author of four books on complementary therapies and developed a specialised Craniosacral training course for midwives which was the first of its kind to be accredited by the Royal College of Midwives.

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Click the image above to view trailer

  • Beginner/Intermediate
  • Slideshow presentation
  • 60 minute class
  • life time access to recording

Learning outcomes

  • Refute the underlying premises of elective induction, which are: 
    a) once 39 weeks is reached, awaiting labour onset has no benefits
    b) inducing labour has no harms, principally that it does not increase cesareans in first labours
  • Explain the flaws and weaknesses in the ARRIVE trial
  • Demonstrate that the physiologic approach to labour management is superior to the medical approach

who can this benefit

  • Birth professionals
  • Anyone interested in birth practices
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Meet Our Presenter
Patrick Jones - Course author

Henci Goer

Birth Options Expert, Award-winning Author and Educator