What is pitocin labor induction?

Many physicians induce pregnant patients without discussing the side effects of pitocin labor induction. In pitocin labor induction, the physician intravenously administers to the pregnant woman a drug named “pitocin” which stimulates the woman’s body into labor.

Potential Side Effects of Labor Induction

There are several reasons for administering pitocin to induce labor, but those reasons are also tied to the potential side effects of the drug. First, pitocin is often given to women who are considered to be high risk patients, such as those with extreme swelling, high blood sugar levels or other types of pregnancy illnesses that threaten the mother and baby’s health. However, forcing the body into labor can cause these same illnesses to become more difficult and may require an emergency c-section.

Another side effect of labor induction is that it might be impossible to keep labor from slowing down. Although pitocin is administered over a period of time, it is usually discontinued once the woman is considered to be in active labor. At that point, it is possible that the labor would cease altogether, forcing the physician to re-administer the drug and potentially harming both mother and child.

The main concern about inducing labor is the potential for an allergic reaction to the medication. As pitocin is rarely used for any other medical purpose than inducing labor, there is no means to test whether the mother or the baby will have a bad reaction and require an emergency cesarean.

If you believe that you were improperly administered pitocin and either you or your baby suffered injury as a result, seek legal advice. An attorney will review with you the facts of your case and discuss whether you have a viable cause of action.