41+3 (10 days overdue) is the national recommendation for induction of labour, with other less invasive methods of induction (ie. stretch and sweep) recommended from 40+7 in women having straightforward pregnancies with no other clinical indicators.
Research has shown that women having induction before these dates when it is not indicated by post-maturity or any other justifiable reason, are more likely to run in to complications. Induction of labour itself is associated with the following: more pain, and the subsequent requirement of heavy pain medication, and the subsequent interventions that may then be required such as an oxytocin drip to speed up contractions. This increase in intervention means that you are more likely to need forceps, ventouse or a ceasarean section to give birth. A recent study has also shown that babies who are induced are more likely to need resuscitation at birth (ie assistance in breathing) are more likely to be admitted to a special care baby unit, and have lower apgar scores than women who are labouring naturally. What's more, by being put on an oxytocin drip, you are interfering with your own natually-produced oxytocin. This means that women who are induced often experience a delayed lactation and milk production, meaning they are more likely to struggle with breastfeeding. This lack of natural oxytocin, which is nick-named the 'mothering hormone' as it is associated wih feelings of maternal love, can also interfere with bonding.
Induction of labour is used quite routinely- but it does not come without risks. By choosing to be induced you are baisically saying it is unsafe to remain pregnant and that theabove risks are worth taking.
Ensure you have the full facts before pushing for IOL- as whilst the majority of women who undergo this procedure appear to come out with a healthy baby, there are both short term and long term implications, proven by research, when picking this method with no clinical indication.
Good luck, hope your birth experience is a positive one :) x