Cumulative oxytocin dose in spontaneous labour – Adverse postpartum outcomes, childbirth experience, and breastfeeding

1.1 National guidelines exist for indications of oxytocin infusion and correct infusion regimens to reduce potential side effects but does not propose a safe maximum cumulative oxytocin dose during labour [1 –2]. Oxytocin infusion during labour has been associated with long labours [3], emergency caesarean sections (CS), post-partum haemorrhages (PPH), obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), low umbilical-cord arterial pH and increased risk for admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [4–5]. Furt hermore, oxytocin augmentation has been related to a negative birth experience [5] and with lower rates of exclusive breastfeeding or involuntary early cessation of breastfeeding [6–8].
Source: European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: Full length article Source Type: research