The use of an oxytocin drip for augmentation is the 'final card that can be played' in a sense, when planning to achieve a vaginal birth. If the drip is not successful at augmenting the labour, then a Caesarean operation, forceps or
ventouse delivery (if you are fully dilated) will be needed. What is important though, is that the woman is given enough time for the oxytocin to work, presuming that the baby and mother are well.
It can take up to 2 to 3 hours for the oxytocin medication to be increased to its maximum dose and stimulating good contractions. It can then be another 2 to 4 hours before any change can be seen in the woman's labour progress. Counting her progress from the time the drip is inserted is not really reasonable, because it can take a couple of hours for the labour to actually re-establish. Some caregivers will only give the woman 'an hour or two' in the 1st stage of her labour, after the drip is inserted. It is highly unlikely that any progress will be seen within this period. Progressing 'normally' in the pushing phase is regarded as a couple of hours (for first time mothers, up to an hour for subsequent babies). Intervening before this time is not necessary, unless the baby is distressed.
Advantages. Intravenous oxytocin can be the catalyst to achieving a vaginal birth in a labour that is not progressing, especially after the waters have been broken (as that would be the first option to try). Using oxytocin about 24 to 48 hours after the waters have broken can reduce the chances of infection. The oxytocin drip can also facilitate the labour continuing, for women who have had a prolonged prelabour (and labour), and are exhausted and dehydrated. The medication can also help counteract the slowing effects of pain relief (such as an epidural and / or narcotic injections). If used appropriately, an oxytocin drip can be of great assistance.