Pitocin: Induction and Augmentation

How?Risks?Benefits?Alternatives?Support?

Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

Induction

Pitocin is a drug used to artificially start labor.

Must be administered intravenously Pitocin is the synthetic version of oxytocin– a

hormone that signals contractions to start and birth to occur.

Doesn’t signal endorphin release in the brain to help with discomfort because it is synthetic Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

Risks of using Pitocin Contractions that are stronger

than normal- more difficult to deal with pain without pain meds

can cause fetal distress Increased risk of forceps or

vacuum extraction Increased risk of cesarean

section Requires continuous electronic

fetal monitoring (EFM)Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

Benefits of Pitocin

When water breaks and labor does not begin

If baby or mother’s lives are at risk if pregnancy continues due to health problems

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Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

The Birth of a Mother.

Alternative induction methods Intercourse Nipple

stimulation Relaxation and

guided imagery Castor oil Massage and

pressure points herbs

Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

Necessary Augmentation of LaborWhen pregnancy is

prolonged– beyond 42 weeks

When labor stallsMedical issues (high blood

pressure, etc)Baby not thrivingProlonged labor with firm

cervixRachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

Pitocin SummaryBenefits Alternatives Necessary

When water breaks and labor does not begin

Intercourse When pregnancy is prolonged– beyond 42 weeks

If baby or mother’s lives are at risk if pregnancy continues due to health problems

Relaxation and guided imagery When labor stalls

Nipple stimulation Medical issues (high blood pressure, etc)

Castor oil Baby not thriving

Massage and pressure points

Prolonged labor with firm cervix

herbs

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Statistics

36.1

42.3

12.4

9.2

First Time Mom Statistics

% of C-section w/pitocin% of other com-plications w/pitocin% of C-section w/o pitocin% of other compli-cations w/o pitocin

Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

Doula’s Role• Relaxation• Patterned breathing• Attention focusing

and visualization• Counter pressure,

massage• Rituals• Heat and cold• Change positions• Encouragement her!

Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

References• About.com• Childbirth.org• Birth.com• Babies.sutterhealth.org• Revolutionhealth.com• Birthingnaturally.net• Birth doula workshop

manual• “The Birth Partner” by

Penny Simkin

Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project