Link of Pitocin and Autism

bam326

Before anyone gets on their soap box, I am not saying their is a cause and effect relationship between the two. This article: https://www.wnd.com/2013/08/study-links-autism-to-birth-inductions/ just raises a good discussion. I would like to try to avoid pitocin, if possible. I do not have a medical or research degree, I have a business degree. Has anyone had similar concerns? Do you plan to try a natural birth? Also, does anyone know if you have an epidural does it increase your chance of needing pitocin?

sthomas1222

The only thing I can answer is yes, epidural does increase your chances of needing pitocin. The drugs in an epidural slow down and/or lessen you contractions sometimes necessitating pitocin usage.

mrsbtobe20122

sthomas1222 said:

The only thing I can answer is yes, epidural does increase your chances of needing pitocin. The drugs in an epidural slow down and/or lessen you contractions sometimes necessitating pitocin usage.

This is not true. Being flat in bed can prolong labor as being up and mobile help.


Also, this is crappy research.

lavendergiraffes

I am planning on going as natural as possible. I have read research that links the use of epidurals and pitocin. You get an epidural which slows down contractions then you need pitocin to speed them up. Pitocin contractions are actually more painful since they aren't natural which may make you need/want a stronger dose of epidural. Then you've been laboring so long that the baby is stressed or you are so tired you have no more strength. I'm not saying this happens with everyone but it is a common occurrence. You should watch the documentary "The business of being born." It's on Netflix. Really good lots of good info. I have not heard that pitocin causes autism-last I heard that was the flu shot... :-) I feel like they are just trying to find some reason that autism exists. Anyway, I'm a ftm so this is all based on things I've read and researched.

Mimaloo

Everything causes autism these days.  Someone told me a while back that having an epidural will cause autism ::eye roll::.  Either way, I have thought about this one and I plan to refuse pitocin if it's offered to me as an option.  

I would like to deliver vaginally (with an epidural).  If for some reason the doctor thinks induction would be necessary, I'd like to go right for a c-section.  My reasoning for this, however, has nothing to do with the supposed link between pitocin and autism.  I'd forego pitocin because everyone I know (personally) who has been induced has ended up with a c-section anyway.  That's not to say that this is the case for everyone because I'm sure it isn't, but it's my personal preference.      

typeset

My concern with pit is that it fucks with my heart rate, not that there could be a link between it and my son's autism. I had it after an epi to increase the strength of my contractions. 

These threads make me want to 

sthomas1222

https://americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/epidural.html

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0801/p241.html

Rocknroll64

libbylu7 said:

I am planning on going as natural as possible. I have read research that links the use of epidurals and pitocin. You get an epidural which slows down contractions then you need pitocin to speed them up. Pitocin contractions are actually more painful since they aren't natural which may make you need/want a stronger dose of epidural. Then you've been laboring so long that the baby is stressed or you are so tired you have no more strength. I'm not saying this happens with everyone but it is a common occurrence. You should watch the documentary "The business of being born." It's on Netflix. Really good lots of good info. I have not heard that pitocin causes autism-last I heard that was the flu shot... :-) I feel like they are just trying to find some reason that autism exists. Anyway, I'm a ftm so this is all based on things I've read and researched.

That movie is crap as is your research.

danabsd

I have read articles on this before and take it with a grain of salt.  I think you can make a lot of links and connections if you try hard enough and they are not always accurate.  

I was induced with piton and the epidural actually helped my labor progress because it let my body relax and do it's thing.  Enough to the point where they actually turned off the pit drip.  

So from my experience I would say no, an epi does not increase your chances of needing pitocin.

oscarwao

I know when I need to do serious research on an issue I always consult netflix. Screw peer reviewed scholarly articles!

Rocknroll64

kimberlykl2009 said:

I know when I need to do serious research on an issue I always consult netflix. Screw peer reviewed scholarly articles!

ILY

Fitpreggo

HatchetFace said:

libbylu7 said:

I am planning on going as natural as possible. I have read research that links the use of epidurals and pitocin. You get an epidural which slows down contractions then you need pitocin to speed them up. Pitocin contractions are actually more painful since they aren't natural which may make you need/want a stronger dose of epidural. Then you've been laboring so long that the baby is stressed or you are so tired you have no more strength. I'm not saying this happens with everyone but it is a common occurrence. You should watch the documentary "The business of being born." It's on Netflix. Really good lots of good info. I have not heard that pitocin causes autism-last I heard that was the flu shot... :-) I feel like they are just trying to find some reason that autism exists. Anyway, I'm a ftm so this is all based on things I've read and researched.

It's also extremely one-sided. 

When i saw the pp I added this movie to my "list to watch".  I think I will now cross it off!!

I am planning to get an epidural, but so many people feel the need to throw their opinions my way (epi is bad, wait for epi, be open..try natural...etc)  I want to educated myself on everything but I feel like there is so many conflicting opinions I should just stick with my plan!!  My plan is take away the pain (if possible) and make myself comfortable.  I'm kind of scared!!  

typeset

Man, if this pans out as a treatment, it would be the most ironic thing ever. Unless I'm using irony wrong again. 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120519213236.htm

https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01337687

sthomas1222

https://transform.childbirthconnection.org/reports/listeningtomothers/

Junebug060609

typeset said:

My concern with pit is that it fucks with my heart rate, not that there could be a link between it and my son's autism. I had it after an epi to increase the strength of my contractions. 

These threads make me want to 

Ditto this.  Except it doesn't eff with my hr and I had pit to get an induction going because I was dx'd wit Pre-E at my 37w appt.  My body wasn't ready for labor, but for my and my sons safety bc of the Pre-E we had to get him out.  I'd hoped for a med-free, natural birth and ended up with an armful of IVs (pit, saline, abx bc I spiked a fever and of course mag sulfate for the pre-e) and an epidural bc the pit contractions were kicking my ass.  It's nice to go into labor with an idea of what you want...but you've got to be flexible and sometimes have to make decisions as you go.  

These articles drive me nuts.  I get it that autism scares the hell out of people, and that it scares people even more to know it is so common (1:88 kids) and nobody has a certain answer as to what causes it.  Studies like this without good scientific proof do nothing but scare people...and if they keep someone from augmenting their labor when it is needed for their or their babies well-being...that scaring gets dangerous.  Not to mention that this one makes me, as a mom who had pitocin and has a kid who is likely autistic, feel like complete and total crap for a decision that I made fully believing it was the best choice for my son.

And I totally agree that The Business of Being Born is incredibly one-sided.  

mrsbtobe20122

sthomas1222 said:

https://americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/epidural.html

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0801/p241.html

All fine and good, totally agree it may slow second stage of pushing--- but because you get an epidural does not always ( I know you said sometimes ) mean pit use. In fact, I've seen epidurals promote descent more often than slow anything-- by letting the muscles relax.

rainydayluck

Did you guys know that increased ice cream sales are linked to increased shark attacks?
Also, your big toe's size positively correlates to IQ.
Both 100% true

momthatlifts

Mimaloo said:

Everything causes autism these days.  Someone told me a while back that having an epidural will cause autism ::eye roll::.  Either way, I have thought about this one and I plan to refuse pitocin if it's offered to me as an option.  

I would like to deliver vaginally (with an epidural).  If for some reason the doctor thinks induction would be necessary, I'd like to go right for a c-section.  My reasoning for this, however, has nothing to do with the supposed link between pitocin and autism.  I'd forego pitocin because everyone I know (personally) who has been induced has ended up with a c-section anyway.  That's not to say that this is the case for everyone because I'm sure it isn't, but it's my personal preference.      

I hate that documentary. I feel like a bad person because I want an epi

sthomas1222

mrsbtobe20122 said:

https://americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/epidural.html

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0801/p241.html

All fine and good, totally agree it may slow second stage of pushing--- but because you get an epidural does not always ( I know you said sometimes ) mean pit use. In fact, I've seen epidurals promote descent more often than slow anything-- by letting the muscles relax.

It definitely has it's place. It's best used when the woman is in active labor. That used to be defined as 4cm. Now some organizations/researchers/docs are saying 6cm. Basically what I tell clients that want one is to hold off as long as they can b/c being mobile and upright can progress labor. It's also amazing for those in long labors or with an OP or malpositioned baby (also typically having long labors) allowing them to rest, relax, and in some cases dilate very quickly due to being able to rest and relax.

Normanmc

I really don't know a lot about this stuff. Is there anything out there that 100 percent causes autism? I don't think so. My stepmothers daughter(my stepsister) has SERVERE autism. She can't speak, she's 18 but has the mind of at 4 year old. It's really sad, so when my father and stepmother decided to have a child together they opted out of all shots/ vaccines and my half sister is 100 percent healthy. So of course my step mother and my father are telling me to not get any vaccines. On the other hand my mother has had 3 children including myself and got the epidurals and vaccines with all 3 of us and were all heathly.

So with that ramble I don't really know what to believe.

MunchkinMoon

Since we're playing the correlation game...

Good thing correlation doesn't equal causation... right?

Xath

Normanmc said:

So with that ramble I don't really know what to believe.

Believe science.  Hard published facts published in peer reviewed respected journals representing the field.

So tired of the autism fear mongering being hashed over and over again.  Autism rates have risen drastically in the last 30 years, primarily because we've gotten better at diagnosing it.

Anecdotes /= Scientific Fact

Correlation /= Causation

Empireceo

HatchetFace said:

Fitpreggo said:

HatchetFace said:

libbylu7 said:

I am planning on going as natural as possible. I have read research that links the use of epidurals and pitocin. You get an epidural which slows down contractions then you need pitocin to speed them up. Pitocin contractions are actually more painful since they aren't natural which may make you need/want a stronger dose of epidural. Then you've been laboring so long that the baby is stressed or you are so tired you have no more strength. I'm not saying this happens with everyone but it is a common occurrence. You should watch the documentary "The business of being born." It's on Netflix. Really good lots of good info. I have not heard that pitocin causes autism-last I heard that was the flu shot... :-) I feel like they are just trying to find some reason that autism exists. Anyway, I'm a ftm so this is all based on things I've read and researched.

It's also extremely one-sided. 

When i saw the pp I added this movie to my "list to watch".  I think I will now cross it off!!

I am planning to get an epidural, but so many people feel the need to throw their opinions my way (epi is bad, wait for epi, be open..try natural...etc)  I want to educated myself on everything but I feel like there is so many conflicting opinions I should just stick with my plan!!  My plan is take away the pain (if possible) and make myself comfortable.  I'm kind of scared!!  

I'm not saying don't watch it if you're interested, just take it with a grain of salt. 

I like Micheal Moore documentaries, but I know he has an agenda (as most documentary film makers do) so I don't take everything he says as gospel. 

This. I personally liked BOBB but I was predisposed to wanting a home birth anyway. Almost all documentaries have some agenda.

IBackBevo

This just in! Breathing has been linked to Autism!

babyaotw

rainydayluck said:

Did you guys know that increased ice cream sales are linked to increased shark attacks?
Also, your big toe's size positively correlates to IQ.
Both 100% true

There's also a correlation between ice cream sales and murder rates!

How many times do we need to have the "correlation is NOT causation" chat?

yvanehtnioj

The BOBB gave me some confidence about my ability to birth a baby, period. Seeing the homebirth ladies almost effortlessly push their babies out was such a refreshing contrast to how it's portrayed in the movies (screaming, swearing, etc.). I had never seen birth in that way.

That said, the movie's agenda is crystal clear. It's worth watching because it's not hard to see where the bias is and you can filter accordingly.

Guess this was off topic from the original autism post. Sorry!

sisterjanet

His(1&only)wife

I had pitocin and an epi the first time. My son has autism. There isn't a causation going on. His autism is genetic. My DH has asperger's and it can be tracked for 2 more generations on his side. I plan on getting an epi again this time and I'm fine with pitocin. I already know ds2 is at risk of ASD because of the family history.

dragossoul84

My older sister went totally naturally her son has Autism, I had pitocin and an epidural my son does not. I have a cousin who had didnt have pitocin but did have epidurals with all three of her sons her oldest who she had young has autism the younger two do not. I don't think anyone knows well enough to really say what causes autism. I would not suggest intervention you do not need because I had pitocin and I can tell you it was very rough on me but it was a medically needed induction, but I would also not let the unsubstantiated fear of Autism stop you from using something that is medically to your benefit.

TheBeeCharmer

If pitocin causes autism, what about oxytocin, the hormone that is almost identical that your body produces? Pitocin is almost the exact same thing, just at higher does usually. One more thing that "causes" Autism that inspires fear-mongering and mommy guilt. 

NorthernGal248

 

yvanehtnioj said:

The BOBB gave me some confidence about my ability to birth a baby, period. Seeing the homebirth ladies almost effortlessly push their babies out was such a refreshing contrast to how it's portrayed in the movies (screaming, swearing, etc.). I had never seen birth in that way. That said, the movie's agenda is crystal clear. It's worth watching because it's not hard to see where the bias is and you can filter accordingly. Guess this was off topic from the original autism post. Sorry!

I agree with your take on BOBB. It is one sided, but for those of us who do want to have natural birth I think this movie is great. Of course, take the information with a grain of salt.

I'm planning on a natural birth because it is what I feel is right for me personally. I believe that I will be able to handle the pain and allow my body to do what it needs to do. However, if something starts to go wrong I will not hesitate to be given drugs.

Emmagk

I'm hoping to have a natural birth, nothing to do with autism or anything like that, just personal preferance. I watched BOBB and enjoyed it but there was a clear agenda, the one thing it did do was highlight that there are other ways to give birth different from what you see in the movies. Between watching that and reading Ina Mays guide to natural childbirth I feel a lot more confident but we'll see how long that lasts on go day.

lavendergiraffes

Rocknroll64 said:

libbylu7 said:

I am planning on going as natural as possible. I have read research that links the use of epidurals and pitocin. You get an epidural which slows down contractions then you need pitocin to speed them up. Pitocin contractions are actually more painful since they aren't natural which may make you need/want a stronger dose of epidural. Then you've been laboring so long that the baby is stressed or you are so tired you have no more strength. I'm not saying this happens with everyone but it is a common occurrence. You should watch the documentary "The business of being born." It's on Netflix. Really good lots of good info. I have not heard that pitocin causes autism-last I heard that was the flu shot... :-) I feel like they are just trying to find some reason that autism exists. Anyway, I'm a ftm so this is all based on things I've read and researched.

That movie is crap as is your research.

SweetTea420

It's so annoying how many papers/studies there are on this. These researchers are so desperate to publish papers even when their data is garbage. I work in the genetics field and more and more genes are being found that are linked to autism. There's even a well known and described deletion on 16p linked to autism that we didn't know about a few years back. Maybe I'm biased, but genetics sounds like a way more logical explanation to me.

lavendergiraffes

libbylu7 said:

Rocknroll64 said:

libbylu7 said:

I am planning on going as natural as possible. I have read research that links the use of epidurals and pitocin. You get an epidural which slows down contractions then you need pitocin to speed them up. Pitocin contractions are actually more painful since they aren't natural which may make you need/want a stronger dose of epidural. Then you've been laboring so long that the baby is stressed or you are so tired you have no more strength. I'm not saying this happens with everyone but it is a common occurrence. You should watch the documentary "The business of being born." It's on Netflix. Really good lots of good info. I have not heard that pitocin causes autism-last I heard that was the flu shot... :-) I feel like they are just trying to find some reason that autism exists. Anyway, I'm a ftm so this is all based on things I've read and researched.

That movie is crap as is your research.

For some reason when I try to post on my computer it doesn't let me which is extremely frustrating.

I am not sure how my research is 'crap' as it is based on thousands of years of women doing it exactly that way. My point of bringing up BOBB was not to start an argument. It was a good resource for me to watch and it helped me feel more confident in my choice to go natural. That doesn't mean everyone has the same feelings or experience just thought it was good to share. Also, it is a documentary, of course it has an agenda.

83edwards

Thanks for the stress OP.....

I'm glad you found what causes autism.....you are awesome.....

What the hell is happening on this board?

IBackBevo

SweetTea420 said:

It's so annoying how many papers/studies there are on this. These researchers are so desperate to publish papers even when their data is garbage. I work in the genetics field and more and more genes are being found that are linked to autism. There's even a well known and described deletion on 16p linked to autism that we didn't know about a few years back. Maybe I'm biased, but genetics sounds like a way more logical explanation to me.

I have a fragile X permutation. Fragile x (fmr1 mutation) is the leading know cause of autism. Yet I wonder how many people even know what fragile X is...

TheBeeCharmer

I'll tell my body to dilate on its own without any naturally occurring hormones since, you know, it causes autism.

rainydayluck

libbylu7 said:

libbylu7 said:

Rocknroll64 said:

libbylu7 said:

I am planning on going as natural as possible. I have read research that links the use of epidurals and pitocin. You get an epidural which slows down contractions then you need pitocin to speed them up. Pitocin contractions are actually more painful since they aren't natural which may make you need/want a stronger dose of epidural. Then you've been laboring so long that the baby is stressed or you are so tired you have no more strength. I'm not saying this happens with everyone but it is a common occurrence. You should watch the documentary "The business of being born." It's on Netflix. Really good lots of good info. I have not heard that pitocin causes autism-last I heard that was the flu shot... :-) I feel like they are just trying to find some reason that autism exists. Anyway, I'm a ftm so this is all based on things I've read and researched.

That movie is crap as is your research.

For some reason when I try to post on my computer it doesn't let me which is extremely frustrating.

I am not sure how my research is 'crap' as it is based on thousands of years of women doing it exactly that way. My point of bringing up BOBB was not to start an argument. It was a good resource for me to watch and it helped me feel more confident in my choice to go natural. That doesn't mean everyone has the same feelings or experience just thought it was good to share. Also, it is a documentary, of course it has an agenda.

Rainydayluck said:

I haven't watched it, but does it talk about the thousands of years that women did it that way and how during that time the number one cause of death in women was childbirth?

IBackBevo

I wonder if the Herp causes Autism...

83edwards

IBackBevo said:

I wonder if the Herp causes Autism...

Yes. It most certainly does.