Maybe you have just found out from your care provider that you have to have an induction when it comes time to birth your baby. Maybe you don't really understand what to expect and what questions to ask your care provider about being induced.
We just want you to know what the benefits, risks and side effects of using Pitocin are. We firmly believe that knowledge is power. Knowing all of the information will help you to ask better questions and understand your options.
About 40% of births are induced by Pitocin, mostly for medical reasons and sometimes for connivence for the mom or the care provider.
To determine if labor induction is necessary, your health care provider will evaluate several factors, including your health, your baby's health, your baby's gestational age, weight and size, your baby's position in the uterus, and the status of your cervix. Reasons for labor induction include:
In a perfect world, Pitocin would only be used when medically necessary to improve outcomes for both mom and baby. In reality, Pitocin is often used without a medical reason. Some of the non-medically necessary reasons are:
ANY form of induction will NOT work if the cervix is not ready for birth! If you have to be induced for medical reasons you will likely have to do a cervix softener before induction. Cervidil and Cytotec are the most common cervical softeners. If you want to learn more about your cervix and what it is telling you, check out this video all about the Bishop's Score.
Pitocin is synthetic Oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone in your body that does so many incredible things. But in labor, it is the Oxytocin that signals the uterus to contract thus getting the baby out of the uterus and into your arms.
Pitocin has been a game changer for those with medical conditions or issues that develop while laboring and still have a vaginal delivery. Just 60 years ago if you had a vaginal delivery or you had to have surgery. There was no in between. Pitocin has bridged the gap and made it possible from women to still have vaginal deliveries with some minor complications.
Pitocin has given hope to a lot of women that developed health issues during their pregnancies and given them peace of mind.
One of the biggest benefits of Pitocin is its ability to reduce postpartum hemorrhage by helping the uterus contract back to its normal size after delivery of the placenta.
Because Pitocin is a drug there are risks and side effects that come with it.
It’s important that each mom together with her healthcare provider, has the information—both the benefits and the risks—she needs to make an informed decision about whether or not Pitocin is the right intervention for her.
One word...
RELAX
Seriously.
If you can condition yourself to relax your mind and your body for your induction and your labor, you will be fine! We know so many women that have been induced and not had epidurals or any of the side effects of Pitocin. The key is that you now understand all of the risks, side effects and benefits of having Pitocin. Now there is not as much unknown. Even if you don't want to be induced, if it is medically necessary, you are still in control of how you react. This feeling of control over your situation is key. Now you can approach your induction with confidence instead of fear.
If you can relax into the contractions by deep breathing and having physical support from your birth partner, your own body might take over and the Pitocin drip can be turned down or turned off.
As Judith A. Lothian RN, writes in an article published in the Journal of Perinatal Education:
"Having a deep understanding and confidence in the normal physiologic process of labor and birth and confidence in her own ability to give birth makes it easier for a woman to let go of the belief that technology and routine interventions make birth safer for mothers and babies.”
YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!
Birth is a beautiful process that unfolds for each women differently. When you own your own birthing experience you approach it with more confidence and confident mothers will change the world.
If you had to be induced, where you given the risks and benefits of Pitocin? What was your experience?
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Education is KEY to setting yourself up for your best possible birth. Knowing your options and how to advocate for yourself makes a huge difference.
With the main reason people develop hemorrhoids is from pressure in the bottom, it seems unlikely many women will experience pregnancy and birth unscathed.