What is the purpose/s of Pitocin?

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Specializes in no specialty! (have to graduate first!).

Okay, I have a question..........

I need to know the purposes of Pitocin during labor. I know that it a way to hurry along the labor but what are the other uses as far as delivery of a baby is concerned? The reason I ask is because my sister is having her baby today and she was given Pitocin. I heard somewhere (I don't remember where) that Pitocin is simply used to hurry the labor along and that it can possible damage the baby in some way. Is this true? I wish I could tell you where I remember hearing about it but I don't.

Also, a little more information that may help you give me a better answer......My sisters pregnancy has been normal. Absolutely no medical issues throughout the entire pregnancy. Her due date was July 8th and today is July 2nd so her baby should have no problems as far as being not even a week early. And so far, her labor, although painful, has been normal with no complications.

Thank you for your responses.

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The people caring for your sister would be the ones to answer this question. There may be different reasons for different people to get pitocin.

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I need to know the purposes of Pitocin during labor.

We're not allowed to give medical advice (or comment on the care someone is receiving which might be construed as medical advice), but a simple google search will give you a lot of information about Pitocin.

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The other posters are correct in saying that you and your sister should be asking the actual practitioners involved in her care about their reasoning and intent.

There are many reasons for a woman's labor to be induced by giving her pitocin. Only the people caring for your sister would be able to tell you what they are thinking. And they should also be able to address your concerns. In fact, most of the medical people I know want their patients and family members to let them know when they have questions or fears. It's difficult to address worries that remain unspoken.

We wish your sister and her baby the best.

This thread is now closed.

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