Pitocin is a synthetic hormone sometimes used to induce labor in a woman that has passed her due date. It may also be helpful in speeding up a labor that has slowed or stopped completely. While it offers significant benefits in specific situations, it can also result in Pitocin-induced birth injury if proper precautions are not taken when administering the drug.
An overview of Pitocin
Pitocin is a synthetic hormone created to mimic the effects of oxytocin during the labor and delivery process. Oxytocin is naturally produced by a woman’s body to promote uterine contractions. Although Pitocin is designed to replicate the work of oxytocin, the drug is given in one continuous dose, rather than the bursts of oxytocin a woman produces during the natural labor process. This can result in contractions that are harder and longer than those produced naturally.
Despite this drawback, Pitocin can play a significant role in ensuring a safe labor and delivery in certain situations. However, doctors in the U.S. and across the globe have voiced concern that use of Pitocin to induce labor is increasing, and for reasons that would not constitute a medical need for the mother or child. As the frequency of Pitocin use increases, the risk of a Pitocin-induced birth injury may increase as well.
Birth injuries related to Pitocin
Because Pitocin can result in longer, harder contractions, the labor process brought on by Pitocin may create greater stress to the mother and baby. During a contraction, the baby does not get as much oxygen as it needs. When contractions last longer, the baby has shorter intervals where oxygen is delivered, increasing the risk of fetal distress and a birth injury.
Some of the risks to the unborn child include:
- Fetal distress
- Slower heartbeat
- Jaundice
- Damage to brain or nervous system
- Cerebral Palsy
- Stillbirth
Pitocin-induced labor can create risk for the mother as well. In addition to more painful contractions reported by many women, the following complications can occur:
- Uterine rupture
- Rupture of the placenta
- Reduced beta-endorphin levels
- Heavy bleeding after delivery
Study highlights Pitocin risks
A study published in the Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavian Journal found that women and their unborn children are at increased risk from a Pitocin-induced birth injury if the induction was done without a compelling medical reason. The study, which included more than 29,000 women, showed the risk of cesarean delivery in these situations increased by 67 percent. Infants born after a Pitocin-induced labor were also more likely to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Pitocin is an important part of many safe and healthy labor and deliveries today. However, if medical staff is not vigilant during Pitocin administration, or if they do not respond appropriately if problems are detected, birth injuries suffered by the child can last a lifetime. If medical malpractice was involved in the complications, the family may be eligible to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation for medical bills, and the pain and suffering of the child.
If you believe your child’s injuries at birth resulted from inappropriate Pitocin use, our legal team may be able to help. We have decades of experience helping families who have been hurt through medical malpractice and negligence in the delivery room. Contact the birth injury attorneys at Balkin and Eisbrouch today for a free evaluation of your case.
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