What are the side effects of oxytocin? Does it affect the fetus?

All pregnant women hope that their baby will come soon, but sometimes things don't go smoothly. You may have passed the due date without any signs of labor. At this time, the doctor may recommend the use of oxytocin to induce labor, so it is best to understand the side effects of oxytocin in advance.

Oxytocin effects and side effects

What is oxytocin: Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the body to stimulate contractions. During contractions, oxytocin levels increase. When oxytocin production is too low, it cannot cause the uterus to contract, so your doctor will give you synthetic oxytocin.

Improves pleasure: Oxytocin helps improve pleasure in women who have a natural birth. Synthetic oxytocin goes directly into the bloodstream, so it won't have the same effect as natural oxytocin during labor.

Choose it as a last resort: Pitocin is a last resort option, usually when your due date is too far past your due date. Your doctor may recommend nipple stimulation to increase your body's oxytocin production rather than using oxytocin.

Side effects of oxytocin: Synthetic oxytocin may have some side effects, such as vomiting, high blood pressure, postpartum hemorrhage, allergic reactions, and uterine rupture, so it is best to think twice before using it.

Oxytocin suitability: Not all women can use oxytocin, especially those who are over 35 years old, have kidney, heart or liver problems, are allergic to synthetic hormones, have had problems with natural births, or have had caesarean sections.

Precautions for using oxytocin

Different dosages: The dosage of oxytocin used by each person is not the same, even if it is used to induce labor or control postpartum bleeding. The doctor will make a judgment based on the physical condition of the mother.

Not for other purposes: During pregnancy, oxytocin should not be used for any purpose other than inducing labor and controlling postpartum bleeding, so understand the purpose of your doctor's medication.

Stop if necessary: ​​Your doctor may stop your oxytocin prescription if it causes contractions to happen too close together or if they are difficult to control with pain medications. Or if there are any abnormalities with the uterus or fetus.

Medication interference: Certain medications, including over-the-counter medications, may interfere with the use of oxytocin, so pregnant women should talk to their doctor before taking any synthetic oxytocin.

May help placental separation: Oxytocin not only helps with the birthing process, it also helps the placenta separate from the uterus. In addition, it can support the emotional well-being of new mothers, as well as the physiological and physical transition.

Effects of oxytocin on the fetus

First of all, it is certain that if used normally, this oxytocin will not affect the fetus. However, if it is used too much and the injection speed is too fast, it will cause spasmodic uterine contractions.

This may be because the birth canal is too small, or the fetus is too large and the continuous uterine contractions are not relieved, which affects the descent of the fetus and is likely to cause heavy bleeding in the pregnant woman, fetal hypoxia and other problems.

Using too much oxytocin will cause the uterus to contract. When the resistance to labor is not great and the entire labor process does not exceed 3 hours, this is medically called "urgent labor". Urgent labor may cause postpartum infection, neonatal fall and other problems because there is no time for disinfection and protection of the perineum.

Furthermore, if uterine contractions last too long, it will affect the blood circulation of the placenta, causing stillbirth or neonatal asphyxia. Therefore, it is recommended to remember not to use oxytocin in an hurry to shorten the delivery process and see the baby quickly, otherwise the consequences will be unpredictable.