Written By: Maryam Shaikh

Every second a woman in her lifetime goes through all the interventions or procedures at the time of pregnancy, labor and birth. These interventions are so commonly and routinely done that they have become a norm and are accepted by mothers as a part of pregnancy, labor and birth. Let’s explore the most common intervention done, day in and day out.

Pitocin or Synthetic Oxytocin:
This widely used medication during the first stage and third stage of labor is called Pitocin or Synthetic Oxytocin. This medication is similar to the natural oxytocin that is released in the body at the time of labor.

In one study, the percentage of first time mothers with epidural anesthesia in the group submitted to stimulation with oxytocin was 93% versus 74% in women non-submitted to stimulation with oxytocin.

Synthetic oxytocin is a chemical hormone given to speed up the labor (augmentation) or to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage and it is also indicated in cases of prolonged labor or dystocia.

It is one of the methods of induction of labor that is used to stimulate uterine activity before the spontaneous onset of labor to shorten the labor process. It is mostly given intravenously.

World Health Organization states that:
“WHO does not recommend intervention for uncomplicated pregnancies at gestational age less than 41 weeks.”

However, due to increased misuse of synthetic oxytocin globally there has been an increased rate of complications.

Negative effects that are commonly seen:

  • Stronger and more painful contractions
  • Irregular fetal heartbeat; that is fetal distress
  • Babies suffering from asphyxia
  • Increased risk of Cesarean delivery
  • In some studies they have found, women who were augmented with synthetic oxytocin were three times less likely to initiate breastfeeding in the first four hours, and two times more likely to give artificial milk by the time of hospital discharge
  • It has also been reported an inverse relationship between synthetic oxytocin dose and a shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding by 3 months
  • Infusion of synthetic oxytocin in labor changes uterine contraction patterns. This may influence uterine blood flow and maternal autonomic nervous system activity, potentially harming the fetus and increasing maternal pain and stress
  • The use of oxytocin necessitates continuous monitoring of the baby with CTG

With all the risks that synthetic oxytocin comes with when given in low risk pregnancies, it is high time that mothers should get educated and learn about their bodies, and how the normal physiology of pregnancy, labor and birth works.

Benefits that Childbirth Classes provide:

  • Learning the right tools on how hormones play at the time of labor
  • Learning about the options available for the mothers in cases of true medical complications
  • Learning how to work with your body during pregnancy and at the time of labor and birth
  • Selecting the most supportive doctor that also believes in natural physiology of birth and aligns her thoughts with the mother
  • Creating a supportive birthing team where mother is the center of team and all the members cohesively work together to help mother to achieve her wishes unless there are any medical complications
  • Understanding of true complications and making informed decisions

Get in contact with the childbirth educator on:
www.amanibirth.com

Email id: doula.maryamshaikh@gmail.com
Instagram: @youriyadhdoula