The dangers of oxytocin injections

Pregnant women generally need to go to the hospital to wait for delivery when they are about to give birth, which is more secure for the safety of the pregnant woman and the fetus. It is very normal for a pregnant woman to give birth slightly later than the expected date of delivery, but if she is unable to give birth, she will need an injection to induce labor. Some pregnant women are worried that taking an oxytocin injection will affect the health of the fetus. So, what are the dangers of taking oxytocin injections?

What are the dangers of oxytocin injections for pregnant women?

As long as oxytocin is used correctly and reasonably, at normal dosage and speed, it will have no effect on the fetus or the mother.

1. The harm of oxytocin is mainly related to incorrect dosage. Too much oxytocin can cause excessive or uncoordinated uterine contractions, causing the fetus to suffocate due to lack of oxygen in the uterus. Due to the uncoordinated uterine contractions, not only will the delivery not be accelerated, but it will be stopped.

2. When the fetus is in an abnormal position or the pregnant mother has a narrow pelvis, after using oxytocin, even if the uterus contracts very strongly, the baby still cannot pass through the birth canal due to the small pelvis and abnormal fetal position, which eventually leads to uterine rupture. Therefore, before using the labor-inducing injection, the doctor should check the size of your pelvis and the position of the fetus.

3. Getting an oxytocin injection does not necessarily lead to a natural birth. Whether a natural birth can occur after the injection of oxytocin depends on the comprehensive coordination of various factors after entering the labor process, such as the descent of the fetus, the expansion of the mother's birth canal, physical condition, mental state, and uterine contractions. Therefore, if a caesarean section is not necessary before delivery, you can have a trial delivery first, and then the medical staff will observe the delivery process and deal with various situations that arise during delivery in a timely manner.

4. Even if oxytocin is used, it does not mean that uterine contractions and delivery will begin immediately. Often, labor will not begin until several hours after the use of oxytocin. Sometimes it is possible that oxytocin does not work at all. If there are no other dangerous conditions and natural delivery is still not possible after using oxytocin, the only solution is cesarean section.

5. If oxytocin is used appropriately, it can indeed have the effect of inducing labor. However, if used improperly, it can be harmful to both the mother and the fetus, and in severe cases may even threaten the lives of the fetus and the mother.

Under what circumstances is it allowed to give an oxytocin injection?

Reminder: Oxytocin is only allowed in the following situations:

1. The fetus has not been delivered for 2 weeks beyond the expected date of delivery.

Generally speaking, a pregnancy lasting more than 42 weeks is considered overdue, which is not good for the health of both the pregnant mother and the fetus, and increases the risk of dystocia and fetal intrauterine hypoxia. Therefore, if the baby has not been born by the due date, regular prenatal check-ups should still be done. The doctor will decide the timing of inducing labor based on fetal movement, fetal heart rate monitoring, and the amount of amniotic fluid on ultrasound. In principle, try not to exceed 42 weeks. You can prevent delays yourself at 39 weeks by exercising, eating right, or stimulating your nipples.

2. Pregnant women have poor physical fitness and are unable to endure prolonged pain due to uterine contractions.

Under normal circumstances, the labor-inducing injection can promote normal contraction of the uterus, and delivery can usually be achieved within 24 hours after the injection. However, the labor-inducing injection only induces uterine contractions and does not significantly shorten the labor process. It cannot open the cervix immediately. The entire labor process takes 10-16 hours and still needs to be experienced.

Before using the labor-inducing injection, be sure to check the size of the pelvis and the position of the fetus. Try not to use oxytocin injections if possible. However, if it is simply due to weak uterine contractions, you can consider using an oxytocin injection. Use a small amount to dilute it in glucose (generally 2.5 units + 500 ml of glucose) and slowly drip it into the vein. During the drip process, medical staff must guard the patient and pay attention to uterine contractions, fetal heart rates, and the progress of delivery after medication.