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Pitocin and VBAC

disbride061103disbride061103 member
in VBAC

I have seen a lot of comments on this board about pitocin not being safe during a VBAC. It is a misconception that pitocin itself is "unsafe." According to the ACOG, pitocin is not contra-indicated for VBAC patients. There is some evidence that pitocin can slightly increase the risk for uterie rupture,but the overall risk of rupture is still about 1%.

There are a lot of OBs that will not induce, let alone use pitocin. And just like anything else VBAC related, everyone needs to decide what they are comfortable with during their VBAC. There are OBs who will use small to moderate doses of pit during a VBAC induction.  Personally, I was comfortable with the use of pitocin during my VBAC. I was closely monitored and the slight increase in risk was worth it to me to experience labor. There are some people who don't want to be monitored, and in that case, pitocin is likely not ideal for them.  Again, everyone needs to make their own decision, but I wanted to clear up the misconception that pitocin is "unsafe.

 Here is a link that briefly discusses pitocin and VBAC.  I apologize for not having the link to the actual ACOG Practice Bulletin.  It's saved on my work computer.

https://www.childbirth.org/section/VBAC1.html

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Re: Pitocin and VBAC

  • MoMandAMoMandA
    Thanks. My OB is unequivocally opposed to using it to start labor, but not to using it to help labor progress. I have wondered if she has adopted this position so that she can pressure me into a repeat C. I am starting to feel like I will need to walk into the hospital at 9 cm to have a chance of delivering vaginally. 
    Lilypie First Birthday tickers Lilypie Third Birthday tickers
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  • babyikebabyike member

    OP... Agreed.  YesYes  Does Pitocin make me a tad nervous?  Yes.  Would I consent to a c/s just because of that?  Absolutely not.

    And ditto to pp.  The hospital midwife group I'm seeing has no issues with using Pitocin in small amounts to augment labor.  They've told me induction with prostaglandins, however, is a different matter... Those significantly increase the risk for rupture in VBACs.

    ~Sweet Girl *8/18/08* c-section ~ Sweet Boy *12/2/10* VBAC ~ Sweet Boy *8/14/12* VBAC~ 

    image

    VBAC Birth Story    2VBAC Birth Story  


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  • TELK83TELK83
    Great info! I recieved a low does of pit during my VBAC. Did I love it? no! But did I love my VBAC? Heck YES!
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