oxytocin

Oxytocin is FDA approved to be used in pregnant people to start labor when there is a medical reason to do so (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure, water breaks early) and to help get things moving when natural labor slows down. It can also help produce contractions during the third stage of labor and control bleeding in the mother after the birth. In addition, Oxytocin is an add-on therapy to help push out the pregnancy tissue after certain types of miscarriages (sudden, naturally-occuring loss of an unborn baby before week 20 of pregnancy).

Oxytocin acts like the natural hormone (oxytocin) that's found in the body. This hormone plays a large role in childbirth. It helps trigger contractions (tightening of muscles) in the uterus, which helps move the baby and placenta out of the birth canal. This also helps control bleeding that can happen in the mother after the birth.

According to the 2020 National Abortion Federation guidelines for abortion care, Oxytocin may be used off label (not approved by the FDA) for medical abortion after the first trimester in some situations. Medical abortion refers to the use of prescribed medications to end a pregnancy. Oxytocin is sometimes used when other preferred medications aren't available or shouldn't be used, but isn't preferred since it requires access to a vein for administration and there are other medications proven to work faster and better. Discuss with your provider if using Oxytocin for medical abortion is an option for you.

Oxytocin is typically given as an injection through a vein (intravenously, IV) by a healthcare provider. While you receive the medication for starting or strengthening labor, they'll monitor your contraction pattern to get it similar to that of normal labor. They'll also check your baby's heart rate to make sure your baby isn't stressed. The medication may also be given as an injection into your muscle to help control bleeding after childbirth.

During your pregnancy, discuss with your providers about your birth plan and if Oxytocin is an option if it's needed. They'll help decide whether the medication can be used in your particular situation. In general, Oxytocin shouldn't be used in emergencies where a cesarean section (C-section) would be safer than using the medication. It also shouldn't be used in cases where vaginal delivery shouldn't happen (e.g., baby is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis, position of the baby makes it difficult to move through the birth canal). Oxytocin also can't be used long term when labor isn't moving along or if you have high blood pressure during pregnancy.