Should Pitocin Be Used to Start or Speed Up Labor?

A Look at the Risks

Since the 1970s, pitocin has been a recognized as a safe way to start or augment (speed up) labor. A synthetic form of oxytocin, which is an active hormone in breastfeeding, orgasm and beginning labor, but extracted from the pituitary glands of cows, pitocin will cause uterine contractions to either begin in a non-laboring woman, or strengthen and increase contractions in a woman who is already in labor.

Labor inductions have been steadily climbing for several decades. Due to the increased use of medical intervention during labor, as well as the desire of mothers and doctors to have deliveries at convenient times, pitocin has become a factor in as many as 60% of labors.

Pitocin is an important drug when used correctly. If a woman's water has broken, but contractions do not ensue within 12 hours, it may be necessary to use pitocin to begin labor. If a baby is very large, due to gestational diabetes or some other medical factor, it may be in both the mother and baby's best interest to induce labor. But is the drug safe?

In the 1980s, Dr. Roberto Caldreyo-Barcia stated, "Pitocin is the most abused drug in the world today." He also added that he suspected pitocin was necessary for only about 3% of labors.

Though informed consent laws mandate that women be required to give consent prior to receiving medications during labor, doctors often do not advise women as to the many side effects of using pitocin. Elaine Stillerman, Licensed Medical Technician states,

"The natural rhythm of labor is supported by the release of oxytocin in bursts as needed, whereas pitocin is administered as a constant IV drip that confines most women to bed. This decreases their ability to control the escalating pain caused by drug-induced uterine activity, and laboring women are more likely to require pain medication that slows labor. Think of the dichotomy: pitocin is administered to speed up labor, but the increased level of pain requires medication that slows it down. In addition, pitocin often has no effect on cervical dilation even though the contractions are much stronger.