Inducing Labor: Pitocin 101

We’ve all heard stories of friends or family members being induced, and conflicting opinions about whether it was necessary, and what was used to help with the induction. It can be scary hearing stories that speculate about whether it was necessary, and especially stories about Pitocin, a drug commonly used in inductions. There’s a lot of information and talk out there, and it’s always good to have the facts and boost your Mommy IQ, so you can decide what’s best for you.

Though the normal range of pregnancy can be anywhere between 37 and 42 weeks, sometimes labor needs to be induced. Induction is when labor is artificially started through medical intervention. Generally, labor should not be done electively, but only if it’s more dangerous for the baby to stay in the womb than to be born, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Pregnancy Association. If induction is necessary, Pitocin is commonly used. It might also be given after the delivery of the placenta, to help stop bleeding and prevent hemorrhaging (even if it’s not used to induce).

What is Pitocin?

Pitocin is the brand name for the drug that is a synthetic form of oxytocin. Oxytocin is typically known as the “love hormone.” Our brains naturally make this hormone (in both men and women) during sex, and it’s also released during labor and breastfeeding, helping to create that bonding feeling. Oxytocin has been shown to increase attraction, positive feelings, and empathy. During labor, oxytocin is released, triggering contractions, helping to move the baby down the birth canal, aid in delivering the placenta, and helps stop bleeding afterward.

Pitocin is an artificial form of oxytocin, and administered through an IV. It’s usually given to stimulate labor, but can also be used to help labor that has slowed or stalled. When this is done, it’s at a lower dose than what is used to induce labor.

What are the Side Effects of Pitocin?

Pitocin can cause nausea, vomiting, cramping, stomach pain, and more intense and longer-lasting contractions. However, an epidural can be administered so that these contractions are not as painful, just as in normal labor. Sometimes, if the labor is progressing too quickly, and the contractions are too intense, the Pitocin might need to be stopped for a bit or the amount will be reduced. Once Pitocin is started, continuous fetal monitoring will be done, to make sure your baby isn’t overstressed by the contractions. Each woman is different, and will react differently to the medication. Depending on the hospital in which you’re delivering, you might be confined to your bed to allow for easier monitoring of both you and the baby, in addition to being hooked up to the IV. ACOG has found some adverse effects of Pitocin on newborns, which is why it should only be used when necessary.

“As a community of practitioners, we know the adverse effects of Pitocin from the maternal side,” Dr. Tsimis said, “but much less so from the neonatal side. These results suggest that Pitocin use is associated with adverse effects on neonatal outcomes. It underscores the importance of using valid medical indications when Pitocin is used.”

(Excerpt from ACOG see link above)

Benefits of Pitocin

If your labor hasn’t started and there is a medical reason that you need to be induced, Pitocin can help you have a vaginal birth, if you’re looking to avoid a Cesarean. Likewise, if your labor has stalled and isn’t progressing, despite trying every trick in the book, a small dose of Pitocin could make all the difference. It’s important to remember, though, that even with Pitocin, a Cesarean might be necessary. Every birth experience is different and unique.

The bottom line? Pitocin is not a wonder drug that will make labor and birth easier, but it’s also not the monster it is often made out to be. Like any medication, there are risks and benefits, as well as side effects. Hearing about the negative side effects and risks of Pitocin can make you very scared and stead fast that you don’t want it. However, it’s important to remember that this drug should only be given if the not giving the drug has a potentially harmful outcome. This is the case with medicine. If you don’t need it, don’t take it! But when you need it, it can be a lifesaver.

The important thing is to have a doctor and team that your trust so that if Pitocin is necessary, you know it was the right thing for you and your baby. Talk with your doctor ahead of time about when he or she prescribes Pitocin, what all of the potential side effects are, and how it is administered when unavoidable. Try to understand your unique situation and your heath care team, and not believe everything you hear from people who are not necessarily qualified to tell you about YOUR personal birth situation. As with every medicine, knowing as much information as you can will help you be confident in your choices for labor and birth and allow you to stay flexible and calm if your choices need to change during the process.

Tags: c-section, cesarian, childbirth, inducing labor, labor induction, medical intervention, Pitocin