Pitocin

vbonitto

Has anyone been given pitocin to speed up labor? What was your experience? Has anyone refused pitocin to speed things up?

With my son 12 yrs ago, my water broke at 35 weeks and I was 3 cm dilated. I was checked in the hospital and given pitocin right away. I want to avoid that this time around as long as my water doesn't break. It seems hospitals/doctors want to give out this medication to most women from what I've been reading and asking around.

Lida1182

With my first my water broke about 11am, Pitocin was started about 11pm. Up until that point I didn't have any pain meds, but it made my contractions much more intense and unpredictable. I got an epidural about midnight and didn't deliver DD until 10am the next morning. With my second my water broke and I delivered in less than 8 hours, no Pitocin needed.

thelittlepear

I was given it with DD, because my labour stalled at 4cm (contractions actually were stopping). I also got it post-delivery because I was bleeding a lot, and they were having troubles delivering my placenta. If you want to avoid pitocin, I would likely suggest doing lots of things to help keep your contractions going - walk, use the birthing ball, etc. That said, I did all those things, and still stalled... good luck! I would discuss your concerns with your OB and see what they say.

SuzyGreenie

My water was at a slow leak and my doctor wanted to give me pitocin right away and I refused, I wanted contractions to start naturally. I eventually started to have contractions on my own and then took a small amount of pitocin and then delivered about 8-10 hours later.  I feel like doctors want to push the pitocin because they want to get the delivery over faster so that they can go home, I guess that's just my theory.  I would suggest going with your gut and not taking the pitocin just because your doctors are pushing it on you. 

Sharon&Paul

I had pitocin with my first and third. My first was an induction due to pre-eclampsia. It was a 48 hr labor, because my body was not ready for labor at that point. With my third my water broke and I was Strep group B positive. I was not in labor at that point and they gave me the option to wait to see if I started contraction or start pitocin. I did not want to wait too long with ruptured membranes and Strep B, so I choose pitocin. I had not bad experiences. If needed again I would not hesitate. My second delivery was without pitocin.

frownyface

My hospital was extremely respectful in my request to put off pitocin if at all possible. When I wasn't progressing after 17 hours, they talked with me about options, recommended a small dose, and we went forward with it. Their respect and understanding really put me at ease with the whole thing, and my respect and trust in the fact that they wouldn't do anything that wasn't necessary for the health of myself and my baby created a very positive experience, even if I had some scary medical moments (not pitocin related). They aren't there to force interventions. They're there to keep me safe and bring my child into the world. I trusted them and they respected me. I hope you have a similar experience. It's all about choosing a medical team you can put your faith in.

tjheld

my hospital was great and seemed to really respect me and my husbands thoughts (granted I also had a fast delivery so I don't know if I am even considered to answer)..however with that being said I did receive pitocin to deliver the placenta.  I really didn't care at that point, my son was born and wasn't really "attached" to me so I really cared less since it was only me.

thing3ontheway

I used pitocin for my first pregnancy (vaginal delivery of twins) and I had no complaints!

kjuryfl

I used pitocin during my induction with my 1st. Wonderful experience with no complications. My labor from start to finish was 8hrs.

vbonitto

Right. I wouldn't mind if I received some pitocin to deliver the placenta and contract the uterus quicker since the baby is out and it's just me.

vbonitto

Thank you for your replies and sharing your experiences ladies. I will discuss with my OB and make sure to communicate my wishes to the nurses as well.

astrat017

Can I ask what everyone's apprehension is to use it? It's very common practice around here and was put on it with my first but never had an issue with it

frownyface

astrat017 said:

Can I ask what everyone's apprehension is to use it? It's very common practice around here and was put on it with my first but never had an issue with it

Eh, people keep watching The Business of Being Born and getting their panties all twisted.

be888

astrat017 said:

Can I ask what everyone's apprehension is to use it? It's very common practice around here and was put on it with my first but never had an issue with it

Pitocin is a synthetic hormone that replicates the effect of oxytocin ( the naturally occurring hormone when you are in labor). The main issue people have with it is that it brings on very strong contractions. When you are induced and your body is not ready to go into labor naturally the very strong contractions can put the baby in distress. There is also a lot of fear mongering as well.

I was given the lowest dose of Pitocin right before I started pushing to bring my contractions closer together. My son was sunny side up and they thought it would accelerate delivery. I had a great experience with it and pushed for almost 2 hours. My son had no problems with it at all. It also helped when I was bleeding a lot after and my uterus was sluggish.

missamERICA

I was in labor and admitted due to HBP at 39w3d.. the Dr. broke my water sometime in the morning but nothing was progressing so after about 2 hours or so they started pitocin. This was at about 11am.... i still didn't have my son until 9:33pm. It was a pretty long day.

sschwege

astrat017 said:

Can I ask what everyone's apprehension is to use it? It's very common practice around here and was put on it with my first but never had an issue with it

Pitocin is a wonderful thing when it's needed, but as with any drugs not without risks which is why it should only be used when necessary.  There's a reason the baby has to be on continuous monitors when it is being used!  Here's a link to one study, from the ACOG website (not "The Business of Being Born): https://www.acog.org/About-ACOG/News-Room/News-Releases/2013/Study-Finds-Adverse-Effects-of-Pitocin-in-Newborns

Again, Pitocin absolutely has its value and saves lives, but it shouldn't be given out for no reason.  If for example water breaks and contractions don't start right away, using a breast pump can help to get things going, you don't always have to go straight for the 'big guns'.