If intravenous oxytocin is used for prolonged periods of time, it can tend to make the baby more susceptible to becoming jaundiced. Mild jaundice naturally occurs in up to 50% of babies about 2 to 3 days after the birth. This happens as the baby breaks down surplus red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen and allow the baby to share their mother's oxygen supply, while in the uterus. After the birth, these excess cells are no longer required. When they break down, they form a yellowish substance called bilirubin, causing jaundice. You may wish to read more on this in
jaundiced baby.
Large amounts of oxytocin can reduce the amount of salt in the baby's blood, and increase the fragility of the baby's red blood cells. This means that more than the normal amount of red blood cells is broken down after birth. If the jaundice is severe, the baby may need to have
phototherapy treatment. Some hospitals perform this treatment in the intensive care nursery (meaning separation from their mother). Other hospitals allow phototherapy on the normal postnatal ward.
Positive points......
Feeding your baby early, and frequently encourages frequent bowel motions and clears the baby's bowel of meconium. This helps the baby excrete the bilirubin. Exposing your baby's skin to indirect natural light in the first few days after birth may also decrease the level of bilirubin. |
Premature baby
Occasionally, inductions performed at (or before) the due date can bring on the birth of a baby who is unexpectedly premature (because the date calculated was incorrect). This was more common in past years, when ultrasounds were not performed as routinely, and inductions were more accepted as part of 'the norm'. If the induction is done early for medical reasons, then a premature baby may be expected, viewed in these circumstances as an acceptable risk.
We can only guess when babies are due.