©Pregnancy bliss 2008
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Administering oxytocin infusion
Most labor ward units use either an infusion pump or a syringe driver. With these methods, one can very accurately determine the rate at which oxytocin is being administered. The rate can therefore be adjusted upwards or downwards, according to need and response.
Oxytocin is a generic name and Pitocin®, is the commonly used brand name in the United States . The other common brand name is Syntocinon® as used imostly in Britain and continental Europe. It is exactly the same thing.
Understanding syntometrine
It is important to distinguish these chemicals because their applications are quite distinct. Syntometrine is a combination of Syntocinon (oxytocin) and ergometrine. It has no role to play in induction or augmentation of labor. In fact, its use is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Syntometrine is used after delivery to facilitate expulsion of the afterbirth (placenta) and to produce sustained uterine contractions, which are essential in preventing excessive blood loss.
Other methods of labor induction
Some hormones and chemicals, including estrogen, have been tried and found to be either very slow or ineffective. These are therefore not in use for this purpose.
Mechanical preparation of the cervix, using what are termed as ‘laminaria’ (vaginal
pessaries made from a kind of starch, -
All these methods have not taken hold because of their comparatively inferior effect and the potential risk of infection.
The case for anti-progestins (anti-progesterones) in labor induction
There is considerable interest in these chemicals. They are already in widespread use for first and second trimester termination of pregnancy. Mifepristone (RU486) is a case in point.
If the concerns about their safety can be conclusively allayed, they are bound to have a place in induction of labor.
