How oxytocin is given
Arguments for and against IV oxytocin
Possible reactions for mother and baby
The body naturally produces the hormone 'oxytocin' (pronounced 'ox-ee-tose-in') to start, and maintain, labour contractions. Labour can also be induced using a synthetic form of oxytocin medication, to try and obtain the same result. Intravenous (or 'IV') oxytocin is called 'Syntocinon' in Australia. It may have other trade names in different countries. Once started, Syntocinon can interfere with the woman's natural release of oxytocin, therefore it needs to be continuously infused into the woman's body throughout the entire labour, until after the baby is born.
Using an oxytocin drip to induce labour is one of the most common methods, especially if the waters have broken and the labour does not start. An oxytocin drip needs to be set up in the delivery suite. So for women who were planning to give birth in a birth centre, or at home, this would mean transferring. It also involves the baby's heart rate being continuously monitored with a
CTG machine.