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Oxytocin stimulation during childbirth, possible consequences. Oxytocin during childbirth - timely help or a threat to the health of mother and child

Oxytocin during childbirth should be used only when there is a threat to the life of the mother or child, that is, no more than 10% of cases. This is the recommendation of the World Health Organization for the use of a synthetic analogue human hormone. According to the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, in our country stimulant labor activity used 2-3 times more often. Almost every woman knows firsthand what oxytocin is. What could be the consequences of such therapy for mother and child in the future?

Why prick oxytocin during childbirth?

Women who have given life to more than one child know: most often, contractions begin at night. Why? Yes, because in the dark or twilight, oxytocin, or love, as it is often called for its ability to influence the relationship between a man and a woman, their mutual feelings begins to be most intensively produced.

Oxytocin during childbirth performs several important functions: influences uterine contractions, stimulates contractions, helps to relax a group of smooth muscles, promotes discharge of the placenta.

And after childbirth, it ensures the attachment of the mother to the child, causes more active production of prolactin, which is necessary to stimulate lactation, increases the flow of milk from mammary glands into the milk ducts, returns the enlarged uterus to its original size.

The use of an injection or dropper with synthetic oxytocin is indicated for rapidly developing late toxicosis of pregnant women, Without labor activity for a long time (more than 4 hours) after outpourings amniotic fluid , as well as in those cases when the contractions in the process of childbirth suddenly stopped.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for oxytocin during childbirth used to speed up the birth of a child. Doctors are also people and also want to quickly get rid of time-consuming and tedious work and finally go to rest. How will this affect the health of the mother and child later?

Oxytocin during childbirth: consequences for the mother

What is dangerous synthetic oxytocin during childbirth for woman?

  1. Tears in tissues, including the uterus. This happens, for example, with insufficient disclosure of the cervix. The uterus intensively pushes the child out of itself, and all the tissues that prevent its exit are damaged.
  2. Rapid fatigue. Excessively sharp, frequent, and therefore more painful contractions for several hours in a row they do not give the woman the opportunity to rest and recover in between them, they exhaust her, they are much more difficult to bear. In natural childbirth, such contractions are observed only before the very attempts. The rest of the time the pain is present, but it is quite tolerable.
  3. . This is a frequent consequence of intense contractions, which can end lethal outcome. And therefore, if it could not be stopped, the uterus is removed.
  4. Braking and stopping labor activity. The continuous administration of oxytocin through a drip on some women has the exact opposite effect, not stimulating contractions, but suppressing them.
  5. The uterine muscles lose their tone. Synthetic oxytocin inhibits the production of its own hormone in a woman's body. Because of this, bleeding may open after childbirth.
  6. Longer postpartum rehabilitation.

Some women, believing that oxytocin administration is necessary for childbirth healthy child, are ready for this to close their eyes to their own feelings and well-being. But is it really safe? oxytocin during childbirth for a baby?

Oxytocin during childbirth: consequences for the baby

Russian doctors involved in the treatment of newborn babies have the concept of " oxytocin children". The health of such crumbs leaves much to be desired. How does oxytocin during childbirth on babies?

  1. Development . During a contraction, blood circulation in the placenta slows down and completely stops due to the fact that the bloodstream of the spiral arteries of the uterus suddenly narrows. Frequent contractions for a long time, provoked by an injection of oxytocin, lead to the fact that less blood is supplied to the placenta and fetus, and therefore less oxygen. But that's not all: oxytocin constricts blood vessels even in the absence of contractions. Later oxygen starvation backfires on the child with mental and physical retardation in development.
  2. Microtrauma of the brain.
  3. Hydrocephalus.
  4. Difficulty in taking the first breath.
  5. . Because of any trifle " oxytocin baby' comes out.
  6. Hyperactivity.
  7. Various diseases: jaundice of newborns, resulting in damage nervous system, autism, children cerebral paralysis, epilepsy, involuntary twitching of body parts (arms, legs, shoulders, eyelids, face, and others).

Scientists today are unanimous in their opinion: artificial oxytocin is not able to replace a natural hormone, moreover, it has Negative influence on the birth process and leads to irreversible consequences for both mother and child.

HEALTH NEWS.

Stimulation of labor with oxytocin is a common practice in Russian maternity hospitals. Many women know about it. Who experienced it on their own experience, and who heard it from friends or relatives. But absolutely everyone is afraid of this stimulation. And when it comes to rushing the birth, they try to do it on their own, using folk methods.

However, trying to induce labor on your own with a long, dense, completely closed cervix is ​​an absolutely useless exercise. Its maturation is not a momentary process. Lasts several days. But oxytocin is not needed at all for the preparation of the birth canal. But why then? Let's figure it out.

What is oxytocin and how is it administered

This is a hormone that is directly related to labor and breastfeeding. It affects the contractility of the uterus, starts it, and also provokes emissions from the alveoli breast milk after childbirth.

In non-pregnant women, this hormone is at a low level, in pregnant women too, but closer to the day of birth, its concentration increases. And more oxytocin is always produced at night. Have you heard that in the first months of life, in order to establish good lactation, it is necessary to feed the baby at night? So that's it for this reason, so that there is more milk. And for this reason, contractions usually begin at night.

Why is oxytocin used during childbirth, how does it help? It is placed with weak labor activity. If a woman has for a long time the cervix remains at the same level, and even more so the water has departed. Induction of labor with oxytocin can begin even before the first contractions.

Here are 2 typical situations when doctors use this medication.

1. The waters broke, but within a few hours (with a mature neck) labor did not begin, there were no contractions.

2. Medical stimulation of labor was carried out in the maternity hospital, aimed at accelerating the maturation of the cervix. Was pierced amniotic sac but no contractions after that.

During childbirth, oxytocin is administered by drip. For a long time, for several hours, and sometimes even the entire period of contractions and attempts. In order for the cervix to open more easily and for at least a slight decrease in pain during contractions, “No-shpu” is administered in parallel. It is important to help the uterus contract for a long time, so a dropper is needed.

Pros and cons of using oxytocin during childbirth

The benefits are:

  • reduces the percentage of cesarean sections - after all, it is better to help a woman with medication a little than to perform an operation on her, the consequences of which can be much more severe for both her and the child;
  • the child suffers less prolonged labor- this is torture not only for the mother, but also for the baby, a woman gives birth, for example, not after 12 hours, but after 6 - the difference is noticeable - isn't it?
  • the risk of fetal infection is reduced in the case of already departed amniotic fluid.

Cons of oxytocin during childbirth- This possible complications for mom, for example, swelling. And if the drug is administered in too high a dosage, this can even lead to uterine rupture in the very severe case. Fortunately, now such a complication is extremely rare, since all women “under stimulation” are closely monitored by doctors. And if a violation is registered on the CTG heart rate fetus, violations of labor - stimulation is stopped and, if necessary, a caesarean section is performed.

The effect of oxytocin on a child in modern maternity hospitals is minimized. As a rule, children are born with good performance by Apgar, by at least independent of oxytocin.

The use of oxytocin after childbirth

Oxytocin is used by obstetricians and gynecologists after childbirth. In almost all Russian maternity hospitals, women are given intramuscular injections drug. Twice a day, morning and evening. An injection of oxytocin after childbirth is necessary to contract the uterus at an accelerated pace. They give injections to almost everyone - and in whom the uterus contracts according to the norm, and in whom it is late. Unfortunately, oxytocin does not work for everyone. In some women, especially those who have given birth many times, there is a subinvolution of the uterus - a slowdown in its reverse development. This, in turn, threatens the inflammatory process.

If the uterus contracts poorly even after discharge from the hospital, the woman can be put on treatment in gynecological department, where oxytocin will be prescribed again, as well as a hemostatic drug and an antibiotic against inflammation. This is the answer to the question of why they give an injection of oxytocin after childbirth and discharge from maternity hospital. Sometimes needed repeated course treatment.

There is one more useful property in oxytocin specifically for women who have recently given birth, in whom there is a transition from the production of colostrum to breast milk. Its injections are a good prevention of lactostasis.

An oxytocin drip after childbirth is usually placed if they were not natural, that is, a caesarean section was performed. And after this operation, there are often problems with restoring the previous volume of the uterus and intrauterine infections.

Side effects of oxytocin during and after childbirth

During childbirth, women often experience nausea and vomiting due to oxytocin. It is believed that vomiting is a sign of a rapid opening of the cervix. But in this case, rather, a side effect from taking this drug.

The second common side effect is excessively painful contractions. Doctors in this case reduce the rate of administration of oxytocin and put "No-shpu".

And finally, the third complication is fluid retention in the body. After childbirth, the woman's legs become elephantine. And given that the drug preventive purpose continue to inject intramuscularly for another three days, then the situation only worsens.

A woman should suspect something was wrong with rare urination. But it usually goes back to normal on its own. Possibly due to change in position Bladder, easing pressure on him. But in any case, with such symptoms, you should not drink a lot. It is advisable to limit yourself to 1-1.5 liters per day of liquid (total). If necessary, doctors will also prescribe diuretics. The problem will disappear by itself in about 7-10 days after delivery. Edema will gradually disappear completely.

Also at future mother an allergic reaction to the drug (in principle, like any other) and bradycardia may occur. But the latter is unlikely to disturb her.

The consequences of the use of oxytocin in childbirth for the child

As we wrote earlier, now any consequences are very rare, so you should not be afraid of them. Well, this is neonatal jaundice, tachycardia or bradycardia during childbirth, hypoxia, retinal hemorrhage.

To minimize the risk of these complications, a woman, if possible, conducts most of the births under the control of the CTG apparatus.

Hello dear readers! The waiting time of the crumbs is filled with a wide variety of feelings: from impatience and delight, to excitement and even obvious fear. Especially scary and makes the expectant mother worry fast offensive childbirth. At this moment, we are worried that everything goes as well as possible and without any risk. But, unfortunately, things don't always go smoothly. Often, doctors are faced with weak labor activity, which today is easily corrected. medical method. In today's article, we will talk with you about oxytocin during childbirth, we will understand why the woman's body needs this hormone so much, and whether its artificial stimulation is dangerous for the child.

Today, labor induction with the help of oxytocin is not uncommon. Often it is carried out even for women who do not have weakness of labor activity, in order to speed up and facilitate the process of delivery. But women in childbirth have next question: Is such stimulation not dangerous, and is it worth taking risks when there are no special indications for this? These and many other questions I will answer in our today's article.

What is oxytocin?

Whatis it?

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus. We are accustomed to believing that oxytocin is necessary during labor only to enhance uterine contractions and stimulate the process. breastfeeding. But about a few very important functions often they simply forget - strengthening the emotional connection between mom and baby, and natural pain relief birth process. Under the influence of oxytocin, a woman is in a euphoric state.

Oxytocin acts like a narcotic substance, a woman notes clouding of consciousness, a persistent feeling of joy and happiness. Thanks to elevated content of this hormone during childbirth and the postpartum period, a strong emotional connection between mommy and her tiny miracle.

Oxytocin is by no means harmless to a tiny organism, therefore, such artificial stimulation of labor is resorted to when a woman's body really needs help.

For whata woman is injected with this hormone?

Situations when a woman needs an additional amount of oxytocin:

  • when labor activity was normal, but then abruptly stopped;
  • before regular labor activity began;
  • with severe;
  • weak or their complete absence against the background;
  • complicated pregnancy;
  • with Rh-conflict of mother and fetus;
  • at profuse bleeding after childbirth;
  • with a weak contraction of the uterus in the postpartum period (large fetus, polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy).

It is possible to stimulate labor activity in this way only in the 2nd and 3rd stages of labor, when the cervical dilatation is more than 4 cm, and the amniotic fluid is already completely absent. Therefore, if the fetal bladder is still intact, an amniotomy is performed before stimulation - a puncture of the fetal bladder.

It is believed that from about the 32nd week of pregnancy, the level of this hormone in the blood of a woman is steadily increasing, and by the end of the period reaches its climax. It is this fact that causes the onset of labor activity. Most of the doctors are inclined to this theory.

Contraindications

Even despite the mass good points when stimulating labor with oxytocin, there is a list of situations that prohibit this procedure:

  • there are scars on the uterus (after a caesarean section or surgical interventions);
  • pelvic;
  • the presence of pathologies of the cervix and the uterus itself (tumors, fibroids);
  • with multiple pregnancy;
  • the neck is immature, with insufficient opening;
  • if the mother is expecting a large baby;
  • with a narrow pelvis.

In some cases, it also happens that a woman has a high risk of uterine rupture. This situation also imposes a ban on the stimulation of labor with the help of oxytocin.

The subtleties of stimulating labor with oxytocin

As in any other case, there are certain rules in such a procedure.

How is oxytocin administered?

There are 2 acceptable methods of stimulation: intravenous and intramuscular (an injection in the leg). Which of them to use will be decided by your doctor individually, but most often they prefer intravenous administration oxytocin.

Functions of oxytocin:

  1. Stimulation of uterine contractions.
  2. Establishing the process of lactation.
  3. Strengthening feelings of affection.
  4. Analgesic effect in childbirth.

Now let's look at the pros and cons of using synthetic oxytocin in childbirth.

What are the consequences of oxytocin for the expectant mother and her baby?

Every expectant mother worries about the health of her little miracle. And when stimulating childbirth with drugs, a woman is very worried that they can very badly affect the tiny and delicate body of the baby.

Is oxytocin stimulation dangerous, and what are the consequences of it?

A question that worries many pregnant women. Like any drug, it has its own side effects, but with proper application, the probability of a bad impact is practically reduced to zero.

Consequencesfor the expectant mother:

  • uterine rupture;
  • a strong jump in pressure;
  • heavy bleeding in the postpartum period;
  • allergic reaction;
  • severe headaches, migraine;
  • general malaise;
  • convulsions.

In particular difficult situations a woman can fall into a coma, but this is only in case of gross mistakes made medical staff and in the presence of a burdened anamnesis.

Consequencesfor a child:

  • hemorrhage in the corner of the eyes;
  • oxygen starvation;
  • may develop

In difficult situations, problems in the functioning of the brain are possible.

These effects develop quite rarely in the presence of other negative factors. If you do the stimulation competently and wisely, then the birth will be wonderful. I can say with confidence that with competent and experienced staff, you can not worry about the possible consequences. My second birth was stimulated with oxytocin. any negative impact I didn’t see it on my body and on the child’s body.

As I said above, such serious problems develop when stimulation is carried out without obvious indications, with the admission of a number of gross errors.

No one will give you a drug without obvious reasons. Only in situations where the doctor understands that her hormone will not be enough for a woman, such a decision is made.

What are the advantages of the drug?

Agree, there are a lot of minuses, but there are also positive sides its use.

Benefits of oxytocin:

  • begins to act within 5 minutes after administration;
  • causes regular good contractions, sufficient to move the child through the birth canal;
  • helps to establish lactation after childbirth;
  • prevention of bleeding after childbirth;
  • improves the condition of the baby, if his health suddenly worsened.

After how muchDo contractions start after injection?

In this situation, everything happens individually. In some women, strong contractions begin almost immediately after the introduction, in others they do not begin at all.

To stimulate labor, a small dosage of the drug is administered, while to start this process from scratch, its amount increases significantly. If the doctor sees that even the introduction of a hormone will not help facilitate the process of childbirth, then a decision is made to emergency operation C-section.

Conclusion

Oxytocin is a rather serious drug that cannot be used without obvious reasons. But when its use is justified, it turns out to be a very effective assistant in accelerating and facilitating childbirth.
The main thing is not to worry! Feelings of fear and excitement slow down the process of childbirth on a subconscious level. You need to calm down, because your baby suffers no less, and his life depends on you to a greater extent.

After giving birth, you will remember all this as nightmare but he will be behind. And you will get unforgettable moments spent with the baby. I hope that you understand why a woman is injected with oxytocin during childbirth.

Dear readers, today I propose to discuss the topic in the comments: Weight loss after childbirth. Share your effective ways getting rid of excess weight, tell us what, in your opinion, is the best way to get rid of extra kilos. I think the most The best way weight loss is wrapping and exercise stress. Dieting yourself is stupid! There are so many goodies in our world, denying yourself food is unfair. But physical activity, and even better, a special weight loss program perfectly bring a young mother into shape.

To avoid stretch marks, sagging skin, cellulite, and help yourself get rid of subcutaneous deposits, do not forget about special fat burning creams for body wraps. Their effect is simply amazing! I say this with a 100% guarantee! The advantage of wraps is that you can get rid of excess fat in certain places. Which is very cool. After all, when most of us go on a diet, the butt and chest are blown off first, and only then the stomach. Wrap cream allows you to decide what you want to reduce)

I want to wish you a successful and easy birth! Bye!

It is also called female - its role in the body is very large. The effect of the hormone on the body is still being studied, but it is now reliably known that it:

  • reduces the production of cortisol (stress hormone);
  • improves the quality of sleep;
  • increases the degree of attachment to another person;
  • reinforces emotional memories;
  • increases sexual arousal.

But oxytocin is most pronounced during childbirth, due to its effects:

  • the frequency and intensity of uterine contractions increases, which leads to active labor;
  • the contraction of myoepithelial cells in the mammary gland is stimulated, thanks to which milk passes through the ducts more easily, is pushed out;
  • promotes the production of a hormone responsible for milk production.

Usually healthy woman oxytocin is at the same level, even throughout the entire duration of pregnancy. Only before the birth itself, its concentration in the blood increases sharply. The production of the hormone occurs to a greater extent at night, which is why contractions most often begin at this time.

The hormone plays an important role in the development of maternal instinct, attachment to the baby. Recovery psycho emotional state women after childbirth also largely depend on the action of this hormone, because this is a great stress for the body, both moral and physical, and only a man who gave birth on his own could understand what childbirth is.

Why is it injected during childbirth and after

The lack of hormone production during a woman's life is not very noticeable, but if its level is reduced in the early prenatal period, this can lead to the absence of contractions. In this case, childbirth in a natural way will not be able to pass. However, there is a synthesized hormone that doctors prescribe for weak contractions - it fully corresponds to natural oxytocin in terms of molecular composition, and therefore does not cause rejection.

Oxytocin is the first hormone that scientists have learned to synthesize, is available in liquid form, is administered intravenously, most often using droppers, less often injected subcutaneously. For women after caesarean section, can be injected directly into the uterus, to achieve the best effect.

How is labor stimulated by hormones?

A special analysis to determine the level of oxytocin is not prescribed. Yes, and during pregnancy, its result will not say anything.

After the discharge of amniotic fluid and the onset of contractions, when its amount begins to grow rapidly, it would be reasonable to measure it, but rapid tests have not yet been invented that quickly give results. Therefore, only a doctor can make a diagnosis and decide on the use of the drug. He evaluates labor activity, the degree of cervical dilatation, the intensity of contractions. Oxytocin stimulation will be needed in the following situations:

  • in the presence of a Rh conflict in a child and mother, when the woman's body begins to produce antibodies that kill the baby's red blood cells;
  • with early discharge of amniotic fluid and with insufficiently intense contractions, when there is a threat of fetal hypoxia;
  • for rapid delivery in women with progressive preeclampsia - it leads to impaired blood flow and vascular system. Preeclampsia is in second place among the causes of death of women during pregnancy;
  • if labor activity has become non-intensive and the contractile activity of the uterus has noticeably decreased;
  • if the fetus long time located in the pelvic cavity, as a result of which internal organs can be strongly compressed, and subsequently fistulas will form in these places.

Why use oxytocin in the postpartum period

Most often, oxytocin after childbirth is prescribed to women who have had a caesarean section. In this case, the drug is administered either through a dropper or into muscle tissue uterus, it is necessary for:

  • stimulating the contraction of the uterus so that it decreases in size;
  • prevention of lactostasis - stagnation of milk in the ducts;
  • to prevent bleeding in the uterus;
  • to calm down - it is known that oxytocin blocks, resulting in peace and tranquility.

What is an allergy to oxytocin

Synthetic drug oxytocin is fully consistent with the hormone produced in the body of a woman, therefore allergic reactions completely excluded. But there is certain rules its applications, and today doctors often neglect them, trying to speed up labor in a natural way.

You can not enter the hormone and stimulate contractions in the following cases:

  • when the cervix is ​​not sufficiently dilated;
  • when the fetus takes wrong position and natural delivery is impossible;
  • with hydrocephalus;
  • if there is a threat of uterine rupture;
  • if there are scars on the walls of the uterus after a previous caesarean section or other ongoing surgical operations;
  • in the event of a tumor of the cervix and other reasons that prevent childbirth in a natural way;
  • if there is information about hypersensitivity women to oxytocin, or there was hyperstimulation in previous births;
  • with caution, doctors prescribe a hormone for multiple pregnancies or uterine myoma.

The effect of oxytocin on the child

When using oxytocin in childbirth, its action begins after 3-5 minutes. This time is not enough for a large amount of it to enter the blood to the child, and small doses do not have any effect on the fetus. Therefore, the expression "oxytocin children" has no right to exist.

There is confirmed evidence that when the hormone is administered after childbirth, it enters the child's blood through milk and has a beneficial effect on his hypothalamus, stimulating it vigorous activity. It should be understood that oxytocin in the postpartum period is administered in small doses, therefore, only the smallest part of it will come with milk to the child - its effect on the body will be almost negligible.

Dosage of the drug

Oxytocin during childbirth is administered according to the following scheme:

  • an intravenous drip is placed;
  • 1 ml of the hormone (5 IU) is added to 500 ml of the solvent (glucose or saline is used);
  • start with 8 drops per minute, then every 40 minutes. 5 more drops are added until the desired result is achieved;
  • throughout the administration of the drug, control of uterine contractions, fetal heart rate and general condition women in labor.

Scheme of administration of the drug to women after caesarean section:

  • 1 ml (5 IU) of the drug is injected into the muscle of the uterus once;
  • to prevent bleeding - 1 ml three times a day.

To stop intrauterine bleeding also use oxytocin:

  • after the release of the placenta, the drug must be injected into the muscle of the uterus with a dosage of 1 ml;
  • then put a dropper: 8 ml of hormone per 1 liter of solvent.

Sensations of a woman with the introduction of oxytocin

After the introduction of the hormone into the blood to stimulate childbirth, its action manifests itself rather quickly. A woman feels more intense contractions, the time interval between them is reduced. There is a sharp and prolonged feeling of pain. In general, the woman's condition is characterized as normal, with active labor activity.

Labor induction with oxytocin sometimes causes some Negative consequences:

For a woman:

  • nausea and vomiting;
  • hyperhydration with convulsions;
  • headache;
  • skin rashes;
  • arrhythmia.

For a child:

  • hemorrhages in the eye;
  • tachycardia;
  • arrhythmia;
  • increased muscle tone.

Why can artificial oxytocin therapy be dangerous?

Correct Application hormone therapy during and after childbirth does not lead to negative consequences.

If oxytocin was used to induce labor in the presence of contraindications, then this can cause irreparable harm mother's body:

  • uterine rupture;
  • profuse bleeding;
  • the formation of hematomas in the pelvic area;
  • anaphylaxis.

The child has:

  • asphyxia with a possible fatal outcome;
  • occurrence birth trauma;
  • disruption of the central nervous system, in the future.

Bibliography

  1. Diabetes mellitus in pregnant women. Makarov O.V., Ordynsky Moscow 2010 P.127.
  2. Emergency conditions in obstetrics. Sukhikh V.N., G.T. Sukhikh, I.I. Baranov et al., Publisher: Geotar-Media, 2011.
  3. Kozlova V.I., Pukhner A.F. Viral, chlamydial and mycoplasmal diseases of the genitals. Guide for doctors. Saint Petersburg 2000.-574 p.
  4. Rakovskaya I.V., Vulfovich Yu.V. Mycoplasma infections of the urogenital tract. - M.: Medicine, 1995.
  5. Emergency conditions in obstetrics and gynecology: diagnosis and treatment. Pearlman M., Tintinalli J. 2008 Publisher: Binom. Knowledge Lab.

Graduated from the Kirov State medical academy in 2006. In 2007 she worked at the Tikhvin Central District Hospital on the basis of therapeutic department. From 2007 to 2008, he worked at a hospital for a mining company in the Republic of Guinea (West Africa). From 2009 to the present, he has been working in the field of information marketing. medical services. We work with many popular portals, such as Sterilno.net, Med.ru, website

IN gynecological practice for successful childbirth, oxytocin is used in the postpartum period. Purpose oxytocin to stimulate labor is done by a doctor to facilitate labor and avoid complications. This is important for both the mother and the newborn.

The use of the hormone in childbirth is aimed at accelerating them. Delivery has acceptable time indicators. If they significantly exceed the norm, stimulation is necessary.

There is no unequivocal opinion regarding safety and the need to stimulate labor activity. It is important for young mothers to know about the pros and cons of the introduction of this hormone in order to speed up childbirth, to make sure that there are no consequences for the child.

Action

Natural way synthesized in the female body in the hypothalamus. Its natural concentration varies within small limits during menstrual cycle. The substance provides normal hormonal background so that a woman can become pregnant. Oxytocin during pregnancy is found in the body of a woman in almost the same concentration. At the 9th month and with the onset of labor, the content of this hormone in pregnant women increases sharply.

Oxytocin during childbirth in the right concentration is crucial for successful delivery, its action:

  • strengthen contractions of the walls of the uterus;
  • ensure sufficient dilatation of the cervix;
  • actively promote the baby through the birth canal.

Weak, inactive labor activity is associated with a low concentration of the hormone in a woman in labor. This is the reason to use it as an additional drug. By administering hormonal medicinal product stimulation of the muscular wall of the uterus. This procedure allows you to speed up and facilitate childbirth.

At childbirth

Women in labor who have been diagnosed low level hormone, do not be afraid and worry if stimulation of labor with oxytocin is indicated. The drug is purposefully administered to contract the uterus. Depending on the concentration of the substance in the injection, it has next action:

  • brings the myometrium into tone;
  • enhances muscle contractions of the myometrium;
  • in small concentration accelerates contractions;
  • in high concentration enhances contractions;

Oxytocin stimulation gives a woman physical forces, quickly opens the uterus, accelerates the birth of a child, helping to avoid birth injuries.

Many women in labor are at a loss when they are given an injection of oxytocin after childbirth. You need to know that after delivery, the natural synthesis of the hormone continues. In a woman, under its action, uterine contractions occur after childbirth.

IN postpartum period high probability of occurrence uterine bleeding, this is due to the process of blood clotting in the places of attachment of the placenta. In order to stop, prevent dangerous bleeding, to accelerate the recovery of the uterus, oxytocin injections are prescribed.

In addition, the hormone has positive influence for lactation:

  • stimulating the ducts of the mammary glands, thereby ensuring the free and painless passage and excretion of breast milk;
  • stimulates the synthesis of prolactin (under the action of this hormone, the mammary glands begin active lactation);
  • oxytocin, which enters the body of the newborn along with mother's milk, has a positive effect on the development of his nervous system.

Impact on the emotional state

effects active substance are manifested in the stabilization of the emotional state of a woman. It calms the woman in labor, creates a positive attitude, which helps her to effectively withstand the stress of labor.

Such hormonal protection is necessary to speed up the recovery process of the woman in labor and ensure the production of breast milk. Oxytocin is also characterized as a hormone of attachment, which is manifested in the boundless love of a mother for her baby.

Indications

Oxytocin is multifunctional, the described actions characterize it as a necessary, important and beneficial substance. However, described serious consequences after stimulation, the main reason for which is gross violation instructions for the use of a hormonal drug.

To prescribe the drug, there are special indications. During childbirth, the administration of the drug is necessary:

  • with toxicosis;
  • the release of amniotic fluid long before the onset of active labor;
  • pathologies dangerous for the life of the woman in labor and the fetus;
  • Rhesus conflict;
  • the absence of fights.

Postpartum administration of the hormone is the prevention of bleeding, the drug is needed if the uterus contracts slowly. The correct use of the hormone allows you to avoid serious complications. For example, when a child is in the birth canal for a long time, this can provoke the appearance of fistulas in the mother's genital organs and digestive systems, the child has a disorder cerebral circulation may bleed into the brain.

Contraindications

Even with the correct appointment of the administration of oxytocin, the doctor must make sure that the woman has no contraindications to the use of the drug. They can be absolute or relative. TO absolute contraindications relate:

  • the head of the child does not correspond to the size of the birth canal of the woman in labor;
  • incorrect presentation of the child;
  • natural childbirth impossible;
  • the threat of rupture of the walls of the uterus;
  • the presence of scars on the walls of the uterus various origins(caesarean section, other operations);
  • neoplasms on the cervix;
  • pathologies that interfere with the opening of the uterus;
  • hypersensitivity to the drug;
  • hyperstimulation hormonal agent already applied;
  • immaturity of the cervix.


Relative medical contraindications include:

  • twin pregnancy;
  • diagnosed with uterine fibroids;
  • fetal hypoxia.

In the presence of relative medical contraindications approach the appointment of stimulation very carefully. It is in these cases that negative consequences are observed.

Stimulation procedure

The drug is injected into the body different ways: in a vein, under the skin, intramuscularly. You can inject oxytocin directly into the uterus. To stimulate the uterus during childbirth:

  1. A dropper with oxytocin is placed (intravenous infusion).
  2. The course of contractions in a woman in labor is constantly monitored, the heartbeat of the child is monitored.
  3. In the standard procedure, the concentration of the hormone is 1 ml (or 5 IU) per 500 ml of sodium chloride (glucose can be used as a solvent).
  4. The rate of administration of the drug is not more than 8 drops. Every 40 minutes, the number of drops increases by 5 until the desired degree of myometrial contraction is reached. Further, the concentration of the substance decreases in the reverse order.

For bleeding after childbirth, use:

  • dropper - per 1000 ml of solvent up to 40 IU of oxytocin;
  • intramuscular injection - 1 ml (5 IU) after separation and exit of the placenta.

Prevention of bleeding:

  • 2-3 days intramuscular injections 3 times a day, 5 IU of the hormone;
  • after caesarean section - 5 IU of oxytocin is injected into the muscular wall of the uterus.

The stimulating effect of the drug begins quickly, 3-5 minutes after administration, the activity of the substance lasts up to 3 hours.

Consequences

Side effects, the negative effects of the drug are rare. They are associated with non-compliance with contraindications or incorrect dosage of the hormone. The consequences of improper use of the drug in the mother are:

In a newborn with improper administration of the drug during childbirth, the following are manifested:

  • jaundice;
  • hemorrhage in the retina;
  • violations of cardiac activity;
  • dysfunction of the nervous system;
  • asphyxia;
  • death.

A high concentration of the hormone oxytocin in a woman's body at the end of pregnancy and with the onset of childbirth is a natural phenomenon. With its shortage, labor is stimulated by the introduction of an artificial hormone.

At correct dosage and taking into account contraindications, the artificial administration of the drug during delivery and during postpartum recovery has a beneficial effect on the body of the woman in labor. Side effects rarely occur with improper use of the drug.