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Generally, the reasons for being induced are based on medical grounds, such as being overdue (according to your estimated due date), waters breaking but no onset of labour, or a planned timing of labour due to complications. If being induced is suggested due to risks to mum or baby then I don't think anyone would argue, however stats from a Scottish audit of 17,000 births show that in 28% of cases, the reason for being induced remained unexplained.
In the UK, the commonest method of induction is the use of a gel containing prostaglandins to bring on contractions and start the labour process and although it is often not explained, the procedure is associated with an increased likelihood of further medical interventions, such as caesarean section. Being induced can result in contractions being alot stronger and this can cause women to be more tired as they progress thorugh labour, also if baby isnt ready to emerge, then labour can be prolonged. Saying that however, I have had quite a few ladies who have worked with me and been induced and through managing their breathing, supported by visualisations, they have managed to deliver naturally without any further intervention.
It is so important for mum and birth companion to be fully informed when making decisions about intervention. Only by asking the right questions and understanding the answers can you feel fully in control. The Birth Companion Guide (which I give away free when you sign up to my newsletter) has some really useful and simple tips on how to ask the right questions, also having a Doula present who knows exactly what you want can also really help.
I remember when I was 40 weeks and 1 day, I had an appointment just for a standard check up with my midwife. Now, based on me being a first time mum (and being particularly poor at being able to work out my EDD) I knew that it was likely that I would deliver a lot later than 40 weeks, but the welcome got from my midwife on that day surprised me. Before I had even had any checks she said "so now you're overdue, shall we do a sweep today?". I politely declined, but could see that as I continued to be overdue that further questions about intervention would continue to be asked of me. I decided that instead of choosing intervention at that point, I would give my body and baby the best possible chance of delivering at a time of their choosing. Your care provider will be able to give you plenty of suggestions for bringing on labour naturally, but the key thing I did was force myself to truely relax and visualise my birth so I knew I was completely prepared, with no physical or mental barriers outstanding.
If you would like to read more about the research which took place, please see this link to the BBC website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7833058.stm
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The same kind of thing happens in the US. My due date was November 22 and I gave birth on December 4th. I had agreed to be induced the next day because I was getting worried about the placenta's ability to adequately nourish my son at that point, but I am glad he got to come when he was ready! I felt that I had held on as long as possible without his health being threatened. My cousin, who was due on a Tuesday, was told by her doctor that if she didn't give birth by Thursday she'd be induced on Friday! Doctors just don't want to get those middle-of-the-night calls to the hospital, especially if it's on a weekend or a holiday.
Of course we know these unnecessary interventions lead to C-sections, too. Those pitocin-induced contractions are too strong, mom ends up with an epidural which stalls labor and the next thing you know, it's time for a c-section!