Evidence Based Birth® EBB 245 - Evidence on Pitocin Augmentation, Epidurals, Cesarean
Nov 9, 2022
Exploring research on Pitocin Augmentation, Epidurals, and Cesareans in childbirth. Discussing the benefits and risks of these interventions, including mortality risk. Revealing new information from the Intervention Pocket Guide. Touching on alternative labor progression methods and pain relief options. Delving into the evidence surrounding cesarean deliveries and exploring self-advocacy tips and birth plan evidence in the Pocket Guide release.
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Pitocin Acts Differently Than Natural Oxytocin
- Synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) is chemically identical to natural oxytocin but acts differently in the body and does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
- High-dose Pitocin can overstimulate uterine receptors causing desensitization and irregular or weak contractions.
Origins And Limited Evidence For Routine Augmentation
- The global practice of augmenting labor with Pitocin traces to a non-randomized 1973 Dublin study that prioritized hospital efficiency.
- Contemporary evidence shows high-dose Pitocin offers no cesarean-rate benefit and increases side effects.
Dublin Study That Shaped Pitocin Use
- The 1973 Active Management of Labor study enrolled 1,000 first-time patients and used strict protocols to speed labors and reduce C-sections.
- Only half received Pitocin and only 13 had epidurals, yet the study shaped global Pitocin practices.