This isn't news to most people who work with laboring women with any frequency, but at a poster presentation this week at the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' (ACOG) meeting, these were the findings that were reported. When the study looked at over 3,000 full term newborns who had had either a Pitocin induction or an augmentation. Induction with Pitocin was more likely to see a newborn spend more than 24 hours in the neonatal intensive care (NICU) and augmentation, or the speeding up of labor was seen to have infants with lower APGAR scores (newborn assessment).
While we have looked at the risks of Pitocin in labor for moms, it's never before been studied from the point of view of risk to the baby. (Yes, you read that right.) What is problematic is that 23% of labors are started with Pitocin according to the CDC, that number climbs higher if you talk to moms. While there has been a crack down on deliveries that are elective and done prior to 39 weeks, that's not all inductions. Many are still done before the completion of 42 weeks, which is the deadline recommended by ACOG. This means that many babies are potentially at risk for these complications.
So, what's a mom to do? Start with asking why an induction of labor is being suggested. Could you wait a few days to see if labor starts on its own? What other options do you have for induction, if waiting isn't the best option? Ask what the risks are to you and baby. Then ask for time alone to discuss your options and make a decision.
Related:
Tuesday Poster #74: Oxytocin Usage for Labor Induction or Augmentation and Adverse Neonatal Outcomes
Photo © REW
Pitocin Puts Healthy Full Term Babies at Risk originally appeared on About.com Pregnancy & Childbirth on Thursday, May 9th, 2013 at 08:51:07.
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