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During pregnancy, increased uterine motility has led to decreased heart rate, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures, brain damage, and death in the fetus or neonate. [14] Use is linked to an increased risk of postpartum depression in the mother. [23] Certain learning and memory functions are impaired by centrally administered oxytocin. [24]
Oxytocin is the most commonly used agent for labor induction. It is given intravenously since it is easily degraded by the body if given orally. While giving oxytocin, it is important to monitor the mother and the fetus, specifically the mother's uterine activity and the fetal heart rate.
Oxytocin/ergometrine (trade name Syntometrine) is an obstetric combination drug. The components are synthetically produced oxytocin, a human hormone produced in the hypothalamus, and ergometrine, an alpha-adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonin (5-HT 2) receptor agonist. Both substances cause the uterus to contract.
The hormone oxytocin has been identified as inducing uterine contractions, and labour in general. [9] Oxytocin is produced by the body naturally and since the 1950s has also been available in synthetic pharmaceutical form. [10] [11] In either form, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions to accelerate the process of childbirth.
The father of the child also has an increase in oxytocin levels following contact with the infant and parents with higher oxytocin levels show being more responsivene and "in synch" in their interactions with their infant. The act of nursing a child also causes a release of oxytocin to help the baby get milk more easily from the nipple. [40] [41]
Oxytocin is produced in the brain and several reproductive tissues during pregnancy, while the receptors are produced in reproductive tissues. [35] During human parturition, the quantifiable level of blood plasma oxytocin rises: it becomes twice as much during the initial phase of dilation and continues to increase until the second stage of ...
Pitocin, a synthetic version of oxytocin, is often administered to induce labour. Oxytocin is a natural hormone and a uterotonic agent which stimulates the uterine muscles to contract and initiate labour. [18] Cesarean section is also commonly considered when the pregnancy fails to progress. [19]
A precise initial diagnosis of prolonged labor based on signs and symptoms is extremely important in applying proper precautionary treatment. [4] Oxytocin infusions upon an initial amniotomy is typically used to move normal labor back on track. [4] The application of oxytocin is only effective if administered on the basis of fetal distress. [4]