February 25, 2026

Induction at 39 Weeks: What the Data Says and What It Doesn’t with Dr. Elizabeth Langen

Today is all about induction at 39 weeks- something I hear often when my students approach that point in pregnancy. We’ll take a closer look at the ARRIVE Trial and explore whether the data truly reflects what’s happening in labor and delivery units. What are the real pros and cons of elective induction? What are the risks and potential benefits? Join us as we unpack this nuanced and often debated topic.

On this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies I am joined by Dr.  Elizabeth Langen. Dr. Elizabeth is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist and Associated Professor at the University of Michigan. She currently directs the Cardio-Obstetrics program at the University of Michigan that provides patient-centered care for women with cardiovascular disease before, during, and after pregnancy.

In this episode you will learn about:

  • About Dr. Elizabeth and what led her towards obstetrics and her initiative to improve the vaginal birth rates in the state of Michigan
  • The difference between a randomized controlled trial and real-world clinical data, and why both matter
  • Misunderstandings around the ARRIVE trial
  • Why the results of a large trial can look different once they’re applied in everyday clinical practice
  • What Dr. Elizabeth’s data, from her work in Michigan, reveals about cesarean rates, length of hospital stay, and trade-offs for parents
  • Why professionals sometimes assess the risks and benefits of induction so differently
  • The true advantages of labor induction, as well as the potential downsides
  • What it looks like to genuinely center patient values when discussing a 39-week induction (especially when there isn’t a single “right” answer)
  • How pregnant people can use the results, from the studies prior discussed, to make the best decisions for their birth
  • What concerns Dr. Elizabeth most about one-size-fits-all induction policies
  • Questions to ask your provider, if you are someone nearing the end of pregnancy who is feeling pressure around induction
  • One final tip or piece of advice Dr. Elizabeth would like to offer new and expectant parents
  • Where you can find her birth

**Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com

About Dr. Elizabeth:

Dr. Elizabeth Langen is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist and Associated Professor at the University of Michigan. She has lead a state wide initiative to improve the vaginal birth rates in the state of Michigan through collaboration with nursing, midwifery, and obstetricians. She currently directs the Cardio-Obstetrics program at the University of Michigan that aims to provide a clinical home that is patient centered for women with cardiovascular disease before, during, and after pregnancy.

Connect with Dr. Elizabeth:

https://www.uofmhealth.org/our-care/specialties-services/cardio-obstetrics-program

Check out similar Yoga| Birth| Babies episodes:

  • Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE 
  • If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify!

To connect with Deb and the PYC Community: 

Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter

Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center

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