The Role Of Oxytocin In Induction Of Labor

Why is oxytocin used to induce labour? One of the biggest doubts of a pregnant woman is how her child will be born. Most women want a completely natural birth; that is, without the need to administer any substance that could have any effect on the baby. What is the role of oxytocin in this?

Many women are lucky enough to be able to fulfill that desire and have a completely natural birth. However, there are many who cannot. Therefore, the medical team decides to proceed with labor induction with oxytocin. This is to prevent the process from taking too long and to avoid possible harm to the newborn.

To understand why doctors use oxytocin to induce labor, there are a few things you need to know.

Induction of labor: what is the role of oxytocin?

Oxytocin is a hormone that the body produces naturally in the hypothalamus. This substance is necessary for the birth process to take place.

The main production starts when, at the end of the pregnancy, there is a dilation or dilation of the cervix. The contact of the baby’s head with the entrance of the birth canal aids this process.

At this point, the body sends a signal indicating the release of this hormone. This then triggers the necessary contractions in the uterus so that the birth canal widens and the baby can pass through the vagina.

When Do Doctors Use Synthetic Oxytocin During Labor?

Many women are unable to produce the necessary amount of oxytocin naturally. Therefore, the team of doctors decides to introduce synthetic oxytocin so that the baby can be born.

There are several commercial brands of synthetic oxytocin; they perform the same function as endogenous oxytocin, but with different effects depending on the woman’s body.

Doctors use synthetic oxytocin, in addition to inducing labour, to speed up the process if the contractions aren’t strong enough for the baby to come out. Using oxytocin to induce labor is a common practice among doctors to also help the uterus contract more quickly after delivery. This prevents possible complications from internal bleeding.

Doctors can also use it to help the woman’s body expel the placenta. The placenta is usually removed naturally from the uterine wall during vaginal delivery. For this, slightly stronger contractions occur after delivery, so the level of oxytocin should be higher.

In women undergoing cesarean section, the doctor should administer enough oxytocin after the baby is born, so that the placenta is completely removed from the reproductive tract.

How should oxytocin be used in contractions?

Although its use is very common in medicine today, doctors need to introduce this hormone in a controlled manner. It is administered intravenously through a dropper. In the process, the doctor has to monitor the level of the contractions until they are sufficient for the birth of the baby.

As the level of oxytocin drops, the specialist should monitor the patient’s blood pressure, as well as the heart rate of the baby on the way. This allows them to adjust the amount of oxytocin the patient needs.

When Shouldn’t Doctors Use Oxytocin ?

In cases where there is fetal distress or if the fetus is not in the correct position for birth, labor should not be induced with oxytocin. Also, doctors should not use oxytocin in placenta previa or a disproportion between the head of the fetus and the pelvic canal.

In addition, the doctor should further study its use in case of twin pregnancies or when the mother has had a previous cesarean section. It should also be evaluated when the mother suffers from heart disease, hypertension or renal insufficiency.

Is an induced labor more painful?

The contractions produced by the synthetic hormone are very similar to those that occur naturally. However, the pain may feel stronger, as it occurs suddenly and without mental preparation, a few seconds after the synthetic hormone is introduced.

Finally, the physician in charge of the delivery is the one who must analyze and decide whether or not oxytocin should be used in an induced labor. The expectant mother need not worry in these cases. Its use is frequent and the results are positive.