Article: Elective inductions are rare, and most only occur after 39 weeks.  Your doctor might consider it if you live so far away from a hospital that you might not be able to get help in time for a natural labor. The most common ones are:  Your due date passed one or two weeks ago, and your water hasn't broken.  At this point, damage to the placenta is a bigger risk than inducing labor. You have a condition that makes continuing the pregnancy dangerous, including pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or lung disease. Your water broke over 24 hours ago, but you haven't experienced contractions. Inducing labor doesn't mean you'll automatically encounter these complications, but your chances do go up.  However, if you're giving birth in a hospital or birthing center, your medical team knows about these risks and will be prepared to handle them.  You're more likely to need a C-section.  If you start induction and it goes nowhere, a C-section becomes more appealing (and perhaps necessary). Your baby might have a lower heart rate.  Some of the medications used to increase contractions can affect your infant's heartbeat. You and your baby are at a higher risk of infection. You might experience umbilical cord prolapse.  That is, the umbilical cord might slip into the birth canal before the baby does, which can cause oxygen supply problems. You're more likely to experience significant bleeding after delivery.

What is a summary?
Know that most doctors won't induce early without a medical reason. Know that medically valid reasons for inductions vary. Be aware of potential complications.