Pitocin is a medicine given to pregnant women to induce labor. Most often it is used when labor hasn’t started and a woman is around two weeks past her due date or if there are other issues going on such as low birth weight or labor not advancing. It is a synthetic hormone identical to oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland and is what produces contractions during pregnancy and stimulates the releases of milk flow from the breasts.
Pitocin may cause negative effects for some women. It can produce nausea, vomiting, and stomach pains. For some women, the contractions come on strong and hard and too often, causing over stimulation to the uterus. This can result in uterine rupture and fetal distress. Pitocin may cause some women to have an increased risk of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Some would say there are pros and cons to the use of Pitocin, however, women should be provided with all information to make the best decision for them. Women are often scheduled for induction without knowing all the information regarding the use of this medicine and the possible risks. More information should be given prior to telling women they need to be scheduled. An educated choice is a priority when going through childbirth.
