First let me start by saying I am not an obstetrician. I recently saw a commercial on TV about letting your baby go to term before opting for an induction. There are many medical reasons an induction is needed, for example the health of the mother or baby, and are discussions you should have with your ob-gyn. I am addressing the convenience of inducting at 37 weeks. As a pediatrician here are some reasons I have heard.

I need to plan my vacation.
I do not want to gain more weight.
I am tired of being pregnant.
I am a planner and need to have control.
Holidays are coming and I want to be in shape.
My marathon is only 8 weeks away and I have to get in shape to run.
I want the tax deduction this year.
I have met my deductible for this year.

Since as a medical community we still do not know what triggers labor, is it the baby or the mother or what? Yes, the baby is fully ‘formed’ at 37 weeks and the lungs are mature, but as the commercial says, ‘your masterpiece’ is not done. Why try to make labor fit your schedule? We do not know what else may be maturing in those last few weeks. All I am saying is think about it before opting for an induction to fit your schedule. Let things unfold as they are suppose to and enjoy the time and anticipation. if there is a medical need, your ob-gyn will tell you.
Needless to say, once a baby comes out there goes the schedule, the predictability and control of every situation. I am not saying life is chaos with children, but there is a definite unpredictability of life once children enter the picture. Still the joys far out weigh the stress, so let’s enjoy the ride and let our bodies tell us when our babies are ready to be born.