Oxytocin Usage in Late Pregnancy

During the late stages of pregnancy, when the delivery process takes an extended period of time, oxytocin is often considered as a means to expedite childbirth. While oxytocin is effective in shortening the delivery process, allowing the mother to give birth within a few hours, it also carries certain side effects. After administration of oxytocin, the uterus may experience uncoordinated contractions, leading to pauses in the delivery process.

Side Effects of Oxytocin on the Uterus

Side Effect 1: Improper use of oxytocin can result in uncoordinated uterine contractions, leading to accelerated delivery or even pauses in delivery. When contractions are not coordinated and too strong, the fetus may experience oxygen deficiency.

Side Effect 2: If the pelvic bones of the mother are narrow or the fetus is in an abnormal position, administration of oxytocin can significantly enhance the uterine contractility, potentially leading to uterine rupture. In such cases, the fetus may be unable to pass through the birth canal, and uterine rupture is a relatively common occurrence.

Side Effect 3: Oxytocin can also cause tonic or spasmodic uterine contractions, which may result in fetal malposition and subsequent complications. This can lead to excessive bleeding in the mother, and in rare cases, women may also experience allergies to oxytocin, manifesting as nausea and vomiting.

Effects of Oxytocin

Effect 1: Postpartum administration of oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, enhancing the uterus's repair capabilities and enabling it to return to normal in a shorter period of time. In some cases, women may experience uterine atony after childbirth or abortion, leading to bleeding. Appropriate use of oxytocin can help alleviate this bleeding and facilitate the expulsion of residual blood clots, thereby promoting uterine repair.

Effect 2: In addition to its beneficial effects on the uterus, oxytocin can also promote lactation. It stimulates the mammary glands during lactation, promoting the secretion of milk. This milk is stored in the alveoli of the mammary glands, surrounded by contractile myoepithelial cells. When these cells contract, milk is expelled. When the baby suckles, sensory nerves transmit this information to the hypothalamus of the mother, stimulating the secretion of oxytocin and promoting the production of more milk.