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Cascade Christian Childbirth Association
A synthetic form of oxytocin, the hormone needed to produce contractions. This is used either to start labor, speed up a slow labor, increase the strength of contractions, or stop a postpartum hemorrhage. It is primarily given by means of an intravenous fluid, yet can be given by injection. THE BENEFITS ~ Can start or augment labor, when medically indicated ~ Can be turned off if necessary ~ Can be regulated and monitored closely ~ Can prevent or stop hemorrhage THE PROBLEMS ~ Difficult to produce the natural progression of contractions ~ Pain from pitocin often more difficult to cope with ~ Requires an IV and constant fetal monitoring From the manufacturers of Pitocin (insert) ~ maternal hypertensive episodes ~ cardiac arrhythmias ~ uterine spasm ~ titanic contraction ~ uterine rupture ~ subarachnoid hemorrhage ~ water intoxication ~ convulsions ~ coma ~ pelvic hemotoma ~ postpartum hemorrhage ~ afibrinogenemia ~ fetal death. ALTERNATIVES ~ Avoid unnecessary induction ~ Avoid epidural anesthesia ~ Ask care provider if it is absolutely necessary. ~ Ask care provider if there are any alternatives. |
| PITOCIN |