The effect of oxytocin on the fetus. Oxytocin stimulation: when is it needed and are there complications

In modern obstetric practice, there are often cases when labor activity requires a thorough correction by physicians. If, according to all indicators, the time for the birth of a baby has already come, but those delivery processes that usually start naturally are still completely inactive or significantly slowed down, doctors have to use the artificially obtained hormone oxytocin to stimulate childbirth.

It was synthesized in the 50s of the last century. And for the time being it was considered a completely safe drug that enhances uterine contractions, facilitating the process of resolving the burden. But for more than half a century, some of the side effects of oxytocin have been discovered and studied. Their very presence puts the drug in the category of hazardous to health. Which should be the main reason for prescribing oxytocin to women in labor only in the most extreme cases.

In small quantities, oxytocin is constantly present in the body of a woman. It is involved in the synthesis of the hormones of happiness (endorphin) and stress (cortisol). Affects the formation of attachments and emotional memory.

Shortly before childbirth, the concentration of oxytocin in the blood of the expectant mother increases dramatically. And there is an explanation for that. This hormone prepares a woman for the birth of a child, not only physically, but also psychologically.

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the brain that controls the strength and frequency of labor contractions.

During and after childbirth, oxytocin:

stimulates uterine contractions;
accelerates the onset of contractions;
controls their strength and frequency;
dulls pain in childbirth;
increases the overall resistance of the mother's body;
improves mood, prevents panic, relieves stress;
promotes the discharge of the placenta;
helps the uterus to return to its previous size after childbirth;
prepares the breast for the upcoming lactation;
activates the secretion of prolactin, responsible for the production of breast milk;
stimulates the flow of mother's milk from the mammary glands into the ducts;
contributes to the overall recovery of the body of the woman in labor after delivery.

It is oxytocin that, as it were, conducts the birth process, controlling that all organs perform their functions in harmonious cooperation with each other. And after the baby is born, he is also responsible for the establishment of lactation, the restoration of a woman in the postpartum period and for the emergence of that special spiritual and physiological connection between a mother and her child.

A synthetic analog of the hormone causes uterine vasospasm, which makes contractions too strong and extremely painful

But this is all about oxytocin, produced naturally. A synthetic analogue of this hormone, as obstetric and pediatric practice has proven in recent decades, instead of performing the functions of a natural hormone, on the contrary, turns a natural, albeit sluggish, birth process into a deliberately pathological one. It entails a lot of complications for both the mother and the child.

Oxytocin, artificially synthesized, uterine contractions really activates, but its mechanism of action is somewhat different. It quite sharply causes a strong spasm of the uterine vessels. This makes contractions extremely intense and very painful.

The strength of contractions and pain directly depend on the dose of hormone administered to the woman in labor, which is often very difficult to determine, since different women react to its administration in different ways. This automatically translates labor, stimulated by oxytocin, into the category of extreme.

Oxytocin practically does not penetrate into the blood of the fetus through the placenta. But spasm of the vessels of the uterus and rapid labor lead to oxygen starvation of the fetus, birth injuries and developmental delays in the future.

Its synthetic analogue cannot fully replace the natural hormone. In addition, as it has been proven in practice, it causes significant harm to the health of the woman in labor and the fetus.

Therefore, it is worth using it to stimulate labor activity only in the most exceptional cases, when, for medical reasons, rapid delivery is necessary, and delay can cost the life of the mother or child.

When is its use necessary?

Stimulation of labor activity is permissible only in the most extreme cases.

Conditions in which the use of oxytocin is justified:

Severe gestosis.
Long dry period.
Rhesus conflict.
Complete cessation or weakening of labor contractions.
Severe bleeding in the postpartum period.
Weak contraction of the uterus after delivery.
During caesarean section, for the subsequent contraction of the uterus.

Oxytocin stimulation, according to the WHO (World Health Organization), requires only 10% of women in labor. But doctors resort to it much more often. And such actions can be considered criminal.

First of all, doctors are obliged to try all available natural methods of intensifying labor activity (squats, walking, irritation of the nipples, etc.), and only in cases of extreme necessity make a decision to administer oxytocin to the woman in labor.

Within 5 minutes after the administration of the drug, labor activity is noticeably activated.

Contraindications

Strong sensitivity of the woman in labor to oxytocin.
Pathology, immaturity, the threat of rupture of the cervix.
Uterine fibroids, scars on her neck.
hydrocephalus in the fetus.
Large fruit.
Mismatch between the size of the fetus and the pelvis of the mother.
Malposition.
Placenta previa or umbilical cord.
Multiple pregnancy.

Oxytocin should not be used to stimulate labor if the cervix is not ready for childbirth. Or the amniotic fluid has not yet poured out.

In such cases, first, measures are taken to help shorten, soften, open the cervix, and amniotomy (opening the membranes of the fetal bladder). Only then is the hormone administered to the woman in labor.

If delivery occurs by stimulation with oxytocin, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the fetus

Peculiarities

Oxytocin is administered only intravenously or intramuscularly.
After the hormone enters the blood of the woman in labor, within 5 minutes there is an increase in the contractility of the uterus.
Dopplerometric and cardiotocographic monitoring of the fetal condition during labor induction with oxytocin is mandatory. The hormone causes longer and more frequent contractions. And for a child, this is fraught with oxygen starvation.
The dosage of the drug is selected individually. To start labor, a large dose of the hormone is used. When constant and sufficiently strong contractions are established, the dose of oxytocin can be reduced to maintenance.
With a sharp deterioration in the condition of the fetus or when the stimulation of labor is not effective enough, for a successful delivery, the expectant mother is invited to resort to an emergency caesarean section.

The most common consequences of hormonal stimulation of labor are various CNS disorders in newborns and birth trauma.

Effects

Until recently, the effect of synthetic oxytocin on the body of the mother and her baby has not been fully studied. Therefore, it was considered to be relatively safe.

But now, given the numerous studies of actual practitioners in the field of obstetrics and pediatrics, it can be argued with confidence that the stimulation of labor with oxytocin is certainly very harmful both to the health of the woman in labor and to the future full development of her child.

After oxytocin stimulation, the process of postpartum recovery takes a woman much longer. And the child, due to spasm of the vessels of the uterus and an unnatural increase in the strength of contractions, suffers even more.

In "oxytocin" children, cases of inhibition in the work of the pulmonary and central nervous systems are not uncommon. These are the consequences of fetal hypoxia. And because of the acceleration of the course of childbirth, very often babies get serious injuries when passing through the birth canal.

Oxytocin in the human body is produced when he is happy.

How to stimulate the production of your own hormone?

In its natural form, oxytocin is produced by the brain and is present in a certain concentration in both the female body and the male body. It is also called the hormone of love, tenderness and affection.

The release of oxytocin into the blood occurs when a person is kissed and hugged. When he is peaceful, calm, loved and happy with everything. The highest amount of this hormone is fixed, usually at night, when the body is resting. And in women - during orgasm.

It is quite easy to draw conclusions from this. Any positive emotions serve as a stimulus for the production of oxytocin in the body of a pregnant woman. Love her, spoil her, try to indulge her desires and protect her from stress. Maybe this is where the sign came from that pregnant women should not be denied anything?

The more positive emotions the expectant mother experiences during childbearing, especially in late pregnancy, the less likely it is that during childbirth the level of the natural hormone oxytocin will be so low that it will have to be replaced with a synthetic analogue.

There are studies on the effect of the use of oxytocin during childbirth on fetal blood flow. I will write off the main conclusion from the article about this study. “In women in labor with primary weakness of labor activity, which required correction with oxytocin, there is a violation of perfusion (blood supply - author's note) of the fetal brain.” It is important that the depth of disorders depends on the dose of oxytocin administered: the higher the dose, the greater the severity of the disorder of fetal cerebral blood flow of the fetus.

How does oxytocin affect the uterus?

This is a snippet from the Wikipedia article with my comments:

"Oxytocin has a stimulating effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus, increases contractile activity and, to a lesser extent, the tone of the myometrium.

At low concentrations, oxytocin increases the frequency and amplitude of uterine contractions, at high concentrations it increases the tone of the uterus, increases and intensifies its contractions (up to tetanic contractions). The release of oxytocin during breastfeeding produces moderate but often painful contractions during the first weeks of lactation.

Comment: This is a physiological mechanism for contraction of the placental site, which in its physiology is a wound surface.

With an increase in the frequency and amplitude of the contraction, there is not enough time for the uterus to relax and rest. When relaxing, blood filling of the placental area with blood occurs, which is a necessary component of gas exchange between the blood of the mother and the child. Consequently, when there is no time period of rest between contractions, the fetal blood, which has consumed oxygen, does not have time to approach the mother's blood in full and receive the necessary oxygenation. Thus, the fetus constantly experiences hypoxia of varying severity. Hypoxia is a lack of oxygen supply to the tissues and organs of the fetus.

You need to know that doses of oxytocin most often have an INDIVIDUAL effect. Accordingly, if for one woman the dose is medium or even small, for another lady the same dose may be high.

“The effect of oxytocin on human sexual behavior has not been elucidated. At least two studies have found an increase in lymph oxytocin during orgasm in both men and women.

Oxytocin causes a feeling of satisfaction, reduced anxiety and a sense of calm next to a partner. Many studies have proven the connection of oxytocin in human relationships, increasing confidence and reducing fear. This suggested that oxytocin may influence areas of the brain responsible for behavior, fear and anxiety."

Comment: I wrote about the effect of the hormone on sexual behavior because I want to show once again how strong and influential the drug is.

Side effects from the annotation to the drug

For women in labor:

From the reproductive system: large doses or hypersensitivity to the drug can cause arterial hypertension, spasms, tetany and rupture of the uterus, increased bleeding in the postpartum period. Sometimes a pelvic hematoma is possible. It is possible to achieve a reduction in the risk of bleeding in the postpartum period by systematically monitoring the course of labor.
From the side of the cardiovascular system: the use of large doses of oxytocin can cause arrhythmias, premature ventricular contractions, arterial hypertension following arterial hypotension, reflex tachycardia, bradycardia.
From the digestive system: nausea, vomiting.
From the side of water and electrolyte metabolism: due to the antidiuretic effect of oxytocin, with its rapid intravenous administration (more than 40 drops / min), along with a large amount of liquid, severe hyperhydration is possible. A state of severe hyperhydration with convulsions and coma can also develop with a slow, more than 24-hour infusion of oxytocin.
From the immune system: anaphylactic reactions associated with dyspnea, hypotension or shock; anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions; occasionally - lethal outcome.
From the nervous system: headache.
From the skin: rashes on the skin.
In the fetus or newborn: a low Apgar score as determined 5 minutes after birth, neonatal jaundice, retinal hemorrhage in newborns.
Sinus bradycardia, tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions and other arrhythmias, residual damage to the central nervous system and brain, fetal death due to asphyxia, as a result - increased uterine activity.

No comments are needed here.

Overdose and treatment

Symptoms overdoses depend mainly on the degree of sensitivity of the uterus to oxytocin and are not associated with the presence of hypersensitivity to the active component of the drug. Hyperstimulation can lead to strong (hypertonic) and prolonged (tetanic) contractions or to rapid labor, and can also cause rupture of the body or cervix, vagina, postpartum bleeding, utero-placental hypoperfusion, slowing of fetal cardiac activity, hypoxia, hypercapnia and fetal death.

Long-term use of the drug in high doses (40-50 ml / min) may be accompanied by a severe side effect - hyperhydration (the situation is the opposite of dehydration - author's note), which is due to the antidiuretic effect of oxytocin.

Treatment consists in stopping the infusion of oxytocin, limiting fluid intake, using diuretics, intravenous administration of hypertonic saline, correcting electrolyte balance, stopping seizures with barbiturates, and providing professional care for a patient who is in a coma.

Conclusion

I spoke with obstetricians who have experience with the constant use of oxytocin in childbirth. They draw the following conclusions:

Oxytocin can and should be used only under strict indications. Only when the benefits of using oxytocin greatly outweigh the harm.
It is always necessary to take into account the fact that the use of oxytocin causes a decrease in blood flow to the fetal brain. If the fetus has already begun to experience hypoxia, then the use of oxytocin should be very short-term.
The dosage of oxytocin should be selected individually, by the method of literally titration. Dose - effect. Everyone has a different sensitivity to oxytocin.

Now about what problems I often observe in children born as a result of childbirth with the use of oxytocin. The severity depends on the dose and time of use. I didn't look for confirmation in studies. However, having extensive experience working with children from birth to adolescence, I can draw my own conclusions:

The child has difficulty coping with stressful situations of various origins. Because the contractions driving him out of the womb were stronger than nature intended, any subsequent stress leaves him fearful and unwilling to deal with it at all. A child (and an adult) begins to hysteria, get sick, run away from home, hide, skip school. He escapes from stress in any way, just not to enter into it.
A small child has problems with the correct interaction of different types of peripheral nervous system: sympathetic and parasympathetic. This leads, for example, to discoordination of peristalsis - colic. This leads to violations of vascular tone - marbling of the skin will be a marker. I want to note that with marbling of the skin, the same violations can be in the internal organs, which leads to a violation of the function of the organ.
The hypoxia that the child (fetus) will experience throughout the entire period of oxytocin use does not have specific "oxytocin" markers, looks like manifestations of acute hypoxia. But since hypoxia is most manifested by problems of the nervous system, the early consequences of "oxytocin" childbirth will be represented by hypoxic and hemorrhagic lesions of the central nervous system. In other words, hemorrhages in the tissues of the nervous system are possible. In second place will be the defeat of the respiratory system, because. it is the most changeable system in the process of childbirth, which should change strongly and quickly immediately after birth. Hypoxia can cause disturbances in blood flow to the lungs, which can cause breathing problems in the newborn. And respiratory disorders after birth will be the basis for the continuation of hypoxia that began in the process of birth.

Hypoxia can also cause impaired renal function and impaired gastrointestinal function.

I cannot but say that children who have undergone hypoxia during childbirth are more susceptible to infection with viruses and bacteria than children born without problems.

It should be noted that hypoxia due to the effect of oxytocin on the blood supply to the fetal organs can be exacerbated by fetal hypoxia due to other causes.

I will list the long-term consequences of the use of oxytocin in childbirth, which we can see in older children:

Increased neuro-reflex excitability
Muscular hypertension
Muscular dystonia
intracranial hypertension
Minimal brain dysfunctions, including attention deficits and speech problems.

Probably, in conclusion, I can ask obstetricians for the conscious and competent use of oxytocin. And I want to avoid the routine use of oxytocin.

Let's respect the future of our children!

In gynecological practice, for successful childbirth, oxytocin is used in the postpartum period. Purpose oxytocin to stimulate labor is done by a doctor to facilitate labor and avoid complications. This is important for both the mother and the newborn.

The use of the hormone in childbirth is aimed at accelerating them. Delivery has acceptable time indicators. If they significantly exceed the norm, stimulation is necessary.

There is no unequivocal opinion regarding safety and the need to stimulate labor activity. It is important for young mothers to know about the pros and cons of the introduction of this hormone in order to speed up childbirth, to make sure that there are no consequences for the child.

Action

Naturally synthesized in the body of a woman in the hypothalamus. Its natural concentration changes within small limits during the menstrual cycle. The substance provides a normal hormonal background so that a woman can become pregnant. Oxytocin during pregnancy is found in the body of a woman in almost the same concentration. At the 9th month and with the onset of labor, the content of this hormone in pregnant women increases sharply.

Oxytocin during childbirth in the right concentration is crucial for successful delivery, its action:

strengthen contractions of the walls of the uterus;
ensure sufficient dilatation of the cervix;
actively promote the baby through the birth canal.

Weak, inactive labor activity is associated with a low concentration of the hormone in a woman in labor. This is the reason to use it as an additional drug. By introducing a hormonal drug, the muscular wall of the uterus is stimulated. This procedure allows you to speed up and facilitate childbirth.

At childbirth

Women in labor who have a low level of the hormone should not be afraid and worry if stimulation of labor with oxytocin is indicated. The drug is purposefully administered to contract the uterus. Depending on the concentration of the substance in the injection, it has the following effect:

brings the myometrium into tone;
enhances muscle contractions of the myometrium;
in small concentration accelerates contractions;
in high concentration enhances contractions;

Stimulation with oxytocin gives a woman physical strength, quickly opens the uterus, speeds up the birth of a child, helping to avoid birth injuries.

Many women in labor are at a loss when they are given an injection of oxytocin after childbirth. You need to know that after delivery, the natural synthesis of the hormone continues. In a woman, under its action, uterine contractions occur after childbirth.

In the postpartum period, there is a high probability of uterine bleeding, this is due to the process of blood clotting at the places of attachment of the placenta. In order to stop, prevent dangerous bleeding, to accelerate the recovery of the uterus, oxytocin injections are prescribed.

In addition, the hormone has a positive effect on lactation:

stimulating the ducts of the mammary glands, thereby ensuring the free and painless passage and excretion of breast milk;
stimulates the synthesis of prolactin (under the action of this hormone, the mammary glands begin active lactation);
Oxytocin, which enters the body of a newborn along with mother's milk, has a positive effect on the development of his nervous system.

Impact on the emotional state

The effects of the active substance are manifested in the stabilization of the emotional state of a woman. It calms the woman in labor, creates a positive attitude, which helps her to effectively withstand the stress that labor is.

Such hormonal protection is necessary to speed up the recovery process of the woman in labor and ensure the production of breast milk. Oxytocin is also characterized as a hormone of attachment, which is manifested in the boundless love of a mother for her baby.

Indications

Oxytocin is multifunctional, the described actions characterize it as a necessary, important and useful substance. Nevertheless, serious consequences are described after stimulation, the main reason for which is a gross violation of the instructions for using the hormonal drug.

There are special indications for prescribing the drug. During childbirth, the administration of the drug is necessary:

with toxicosis;
the release of amniotic fluid long before the onset of active labor;
pathologies dangerous for the life of the woman in labor and the fetus;
Rhesus conflict;
the absence of fights.

Postpartum administration of the hormone is the prevention of bleeding, the drug is needed if the uterus contracts slowly. Proper use of the hormone avoids serious complications. For example, when a child is in the birth canal for a long time, this can provoke the appearance of fistulas in the mother's organs of the reproductive and digestive systems, the child has a violation of cerebral circulation, and a brain hemorrhage may occur.

Contraindications

Even with the correct appointment of the administration of oxytocin, the doctor must make sure that the woman has no contraindications to the use of the drug. They can be absolute or relative. Absolute contraindications include:

the head of the child does not correspond to the size of the birth canal of the woman in labor;
incorrect presentation of the child;
natural childbirth is impossible;
the threat of rupture of the walls of the uterus;
the presence of scars on the walls of the uterus of various origins (caesarean section, other operations);
neoplasms on the cervix;
pathologies that interfere with the opening of the uterus;
hypersensitivity to the drug;
hyperstimulation with a hormonal agent has already been used;
immaturity of the cervix.

Relative medical contraindications include:

twin pregnancy;
diagnosed with uterine fibroids;
fetal hypoxia.

In the presence of relative medical contraindications, the appointment of stimulation is approached very carefully. It is in these cases that negative consequences are observed.

Stimulation procedure

The drug is administered into the body in different ways: into a vein, under the skin, intramuscularly. You can inject oxytocin directly into the uterus. To stimulate the uterus during childbirth:

A dropper with oxytocin is placed (intravenous infusion).
The course of contractions in a woman in labor is constantly monitored, the heartbeat of the child is monitored.
In the standard procedure, the concentration of the hormone is 1 ml (or 5 IU) per 500 ml of sodium chloride (glucose can be used as a solvent).
The rate of administration of the drug is not more than 8 drops. Every 40 minutes, the number of drops increases by 5 until the desired degree of myometrial contraction is reached. Further, the concentration of the substance decreases in the reverse order.

For bleeding after childbirth, use:

dropper - per 1000 ml of solvent up to 40 IU of oxytocin;
intramuscular injection - 1 ml (5 IU) after separation and exit of the placenta.

Prevention of bleeding:

2-3 days intramuscular injections 3 times a day, 5 IU of the hormone;
after caesarean section - 5 IU of oxytocin is injected into the muscular wall of the uterus.

The stimulating effect of the drug begins quickly, 3-5 minutes after administration, the activity of the substance lasts up to 3 hours.

Effects

Side effects, negative effects of the drug are rare. They are associated with non-compliance with contraindications or incorrect dosage of the hormone. The consequences of improper use of the drug in the mother are:

increase in pressure;
uterine rupture;
severe postpartum bleeding;
hematoma in the pelvic area;
various disorders of the heart;
nausea, vomiting;
the development of severe forms of impaired water-salt metabolism, followed by coma, convulsions;
anaphylactic shock;
migraine;
skin rash.

In a newborn with improper administration of the drug during childbirth, the following are manifested:

jaundice;
hemorrhage in the retina;
violations of cardiac activity;
dysfunction of the nervous system;
asphyxia;
fatal outcome.

A high concentration of the hormone oxytocin in a woman's body at the end of pregnancy and with the onset of childbirth is a natural phenomenon. With its shortage, labor is stimulated by the introduction of an artificial hormone.

With the right dosage and taking into account contraindications, the artificial administration of the drug during delivery and postpartum recovery has a beneficial effect on the body of the woman in labor. Side effects rarely occur with improper use of the drug.

They stimulate contractions - they receive not only INJURY, but also HYPOXIA - a lack of oxygen and nutrition for the child (primarily for his brain), since during the contraction the blood circulation in the placenta slows down and stops due to spasm of the spiral arteries of the uterus. Stimulated contractions, that is, excessive in strength and duration, disrupt the harmony of interaction in the birth of mother and child. and other uterotonic drugs cause spasm (narrowing) of the vessels of the uterus without contractions (see below).

Drugs used by obstetricians to induce labor and enhance contractions - synthesized artificial hormone oxytocin, synthetic analogues of prostaglandins (PGF 2a, PGE2 - dinoprost, dinoprostone, etc.) and antiprogestogens (etc.) - “cause an increase in uterine tone and its contractility, and also cause a decrease in blood flow to the placenta and fetus”, which is confirmed “according to Doppler data, vascular resistance (resistance to blood flow) in the uterine arteries increases significantly after the use of these drugs” (V.V. Abramchenko “Prostaglandins and antigestagens in obstetrics and gynecology” Petrozavodsk, 2003). Thus, even without contractions, the action of oxytocin, prostaglandins and antiprogestogens causes hypoxia of the child in the womb.

The use of oxytocin, prostaglandins, antiprogestogens in maternity hospitals to induce labor and stimulate contractions reduces the time of labor, but is unsafe for the health of the child, “increases the pain of contractions, increases the risk of pathological uterine contractions and the frequency of postpartum hemorrhage” (V.V. Abramchenko “Prostaglandins and antigestagens in obstetrics and gynecology” 2003).

- According to data from “Clinical Pharmacology” D. R. Lawrence, P. N. Benitt - women with diabetes insipidus syndrome with no In the presence of vasopressin (oxytocin), they give birth quite normally and to healthy children without the introduction of oxytocin and prostaglandins, their contractile-pulling period is not disturbed. But it is believed that "oxytocin contributes to severe jaundice in newborns, which can damage their nervous system."

- V.V. Abramchenko in his book “Prostaglandins and antigestagens in obstetrics and gynecology” (Petrozavodsk, 2003) makes a very important warning: Antiprogestogens (mifepristone and others), prostaglandins and [oxytocin] are their the effect on the fetus remains unknown [unstudied], but for now, any substance that causes a marked increase in uterine tone and contractility, as well as ... a decrease in blood flow to the placenta and fetus, should be considered as potentially harmful [dangerous to the health of the newborn child, to its central nervous systems]. In the book of V.V. Abramchenko has a link to only one foreign article on Doppler ultrasound examination of blood flow through the uterine and placental vessels in parturient women before and during the administration of oxytocin and misoprostol (PGE1-prostaglandin drug). And as a result of these studies, a deterioration in uteroplacental blood flow was revealed. (journal - Internatinal Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, author - Lemancewicz, article - "Uterine and fetal Doppler flow chainges after misoprostol and oxytocin therapy for induction of labor in post-term pregnancies" 1999). There are no such studies in Russia at all (!).

How did doctors decide to use oxytocin and prostaglandins in childbirth, if there is still no evidence of their regulatory significance in uterine contractions during childbirth, but there are so many serious side effects (?!).

Here is what A. Akin and D. Streltsova write about oxytocin in their book “Nine Months and All Life”:

“The artificial or peripheral oxytocin that is given in the hospital to induce labor is very different from the mother's own oxytocin. Natural maternal oxytocin is known as the love hormone released into the blood during orgasm. It is produced by the pituitary gland of a woman during the entire pregnancy and fills her blood to the maximum during childbirth. Oxytocin affects every cell in the bodies of mother and child, including all brain structures. Like a "wise" traffic controller, he connects all the subtle processes that take place in two organisms, maintaining constant harmony.

As pregnancy progresses, the uterus becomes more sensitive to this hormone. In childbirth, its presence contributes to contractions, separation of the placenta, and after them - contraction of the uterus to its original size, as well as the release of milk during feeding.

Peripheral oxytocin, administered for stimulation, invades this harmony as an "uninvited helper." Unlike natural, it does not reach either the brain of the mother or the brain of the child, as established by recent scientific studies. It simply imitates the physiological part of the birth process, causing excessively sharp, frequent and, accordingly, painful contractions. As a result of such contractions, the child receives less oxygen, and the mother gets tired faster, because she does not have time to rest in the pauses between them. Due to the fact that the contractions are sharper, the risk of deadly uterine bleeding increases.

Artificial oxytocin creates stress for the child, a critical situation develops and the risk of a caesarean section increases. Therefore, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AKAG) recommends that oxytocin-induced births use cardiotocography and that a surgeon be present at any time to perform a caesarean section. Childbirth has already become risky.

Since oxytocin is a love hormone, it is even scary to think about the effect of artificial oxytocin on the process of postpartum reunification of a child with his mother. Recent studies have shown a possible link between peripheral oxytocin stimulation during labor and child autism.”

Domestic pediatric neonatologists even have the term "oxytocin children", because. babies born with oxytocin are different (for the worse) from babies born without it. They need breathing stimulation much more often, they are weakened by sharp contractions, due to which much less oxygen is supplied to the child.

The use of oxytocin is justified only when it is really impossible to do without it. In most cases, obstetricians are required to be patient and create a favorable, stress-free environment for the woman giving birth. In addition, there are natural methods of inducing labor: movement, water, cold douches, nipple stimulation, and others.

Subjectively stimulated contractions are much more difficult to bear than ordinary contractions. They are sharper and more painful, because. the uterus responds to external influences, and not to an internal rhythm coordinated with other body systems.

Different women respond differently to the same dose of oxytocin, so there is no standard scheme for using this drug. Doses are selected individually, therefore, when using oxytocin, there is always a danger of overdose with the appearance of side effects.

Oxytocin does not affect the readiness of the cervix to dilate. In addition, in most women, after oxytocin begins to act, labor pain intensifies, therefore, as a rule, it is used in combination with antispasmodics (drugs that relax the muscles of the uterus).

Oxytocin is not used if it is undesirable or impossible to have a child through the birth canal, the fetus is in the wrong position, hypersensitivity to the drug, placenta previa, uterine scars, etc.

The most common side effect of oxytocin is excessive contractile activity of the uterus, which can lead to impaired blood circulation in this organ, and, as a result, to a lack of oxygen in the fetus.

Life experience shows that 90% of the mothers surveyed with children with cerebral palsy had artificially induced and accelerated labor or had an emergency caesarean section, when a threat to the life of the fetus developed against the background of stimulation (approx. 10% of women by prescription and due to nervous and hard life, could not remember the details of childbirth).

To reduce the incidence of cerebral palsy and other disorders of the development of the central nervous system in children in our country, obstetricians are required to stop using artificially created agents for induction (maturation of the cervix) and stimulation of labor and contractions: oxytocin, prostaglandins, antiprogestogens, etc., osmotic dilators (kelp), so how under the action of these drugs the development of pathological (unnatural, unnatural) childbirth occurs. The process of childbirth that began naturally, under the influence of these drugs, passes into a pathological process. Such an artificially induced pathological course of the birth process is dangerous, first of all, by circulatory disorders and birth trauma to the fetus, which leads to damage to the fetal central nervous system. In mild cases, up to a year of life in a child, a neurologist will detect a syndrome of neuro-reflex excitability, sleep disturbances, muscular dystonia, autonomic dysfunction (unreasonable regurgitation, etc.), normotensive hydrocephalus, clubfoot, etc., after a year - delayed speech development, hyperactivity and deficiency attention, walking on toes, etc. In severe cases - epileptic syndrome, hyperkinesis, cerebral palsy, autism syndrome, mental retardation, etc.

Induction and stimulation of labor is the main cause of damage to the central nervous system of a newborn baby!

Stimulation of labor with oxytocin is a common practice in Russian maternity hospitals. Many women know about it. Who experienced it on their own experience, and who heard it from friends or relatives. But absolutely everyone is afraid of this stimulation. And when it comes to rushing the birth, they try to do it on their own, using folk methods.

However, trying to induce labor on your own with a long, dense, completely closed cervix is an absolutely useless exercise. Its maturation is not a momentary process. Lasts several days. But oxytocin is not needed at all for the preparation of the birth canal. But why then? Let's figure it out.

What is oxytocin and how is it administered

This is a hormone that is directly related to labor and breastfeeding. It affects the contractility of the uterus, starts it, and also provokes emissions from the alveoli of breast milk after childbirth.

In non-pregnant women, this hormone is at a low level, in pregnant women too, but closer to the day of birth, its concentration increases. And more oxytocin is always produced at night. Have you heard that in the first months of life, in order to establish good lactation, it is necessary to feed the baby at night? So that's it for this reason, so that there is more milk. And for this reason, contractions usually begin at night.

Why is oxytocin used during childbirth, how does it help? It is placed with weak labor activity. If a woman's cervix remains at the same level for a long time, and even more so the water has departed. Induction of labor with oxytocin can begin even before the first contractions.

Here are 2 typical situations when doctors use this medication.

1. The waters broke, but within a few hours (with a mature neck) labor did not begin, there were no contractions.

2. Medical stimulation of labor was carried out in the maternity hospital, aimed at accelerating the maturation of the cervix. The amniotic sac was pierced, but there were no contractions after that.

During childbirth, oxytocin is administered by drip. For a long time, for several hours, and sometimes even the entire period of contractions and attempts. In order for the cervix to open more easily and for at least a slight decrease in pain during contractions, "No-shpu" is administered in parallel. It is important to help the uterus contract for a long time, so a dropper is needed.

Pros and cons of using oxytocin during childbirth

The benefits are:

reduces the percentage of cesarean sections - after all, it is better to help a woman with medication a little than to perform an operation on her, the consequences of which can be much more severe for both her and the child;
the child suffers less, since prolonged labor is torture not only for the mother, but also for the baby, a woman gives birth, for example, not after 12 hours, but after 6 - the difference is noticeable - isn't it?
the risk of fetal infection is reduced in the case of already departed amniotic fluid.

Cons of oxytocin during childbirth- these are possible complications for the mother, for example, swelling. And if the drug is administered in too high a dosage, this can even lead to uterine rupture in the most severe case. Fortunately, now such a complication is extremely rare, since all women “under stimulation” are closely monitored by doctors. And if CTG registers a violation of the fetal heart rhythm, violations of labor activity, stimulation is stopped and, if necessary, a caesarean section is performed.

The effect of oxytocin on a child in modern maternity hospitals is minimized. As a rule, babies are born with good Apgar scores, at least not dependent on oxytocin.

The use of oxytocin after childbirth

Oxytocin is used by obstetricians and gynecologists after childbirth. In almost all Russian maternity hospitals, women are given intramuscular injections of the drug for 3 days. Twice a day, morning and evening. An injection of oxytocin after childbirth is necessary to contract the uterus at an accelerated pace. They give injections to almost everyone - and in whom the uterus contracts according to the norm, and in whom it is late. Unfortunately, oxytocin does not work for everyone. In some women, especially those who have given birth many times, there is a subinvolution of the uterus - a slowdown in its reverse development. This, in turn, threatens the inflammatory process.

If the uterus does not contract well after discharge from the hospital, the woman can be treated in the gynecological department, where oxytocin will be prescribed again, as well as a hemostatic drug and an antibiotic against inflammation. This is the answer to the question of why they give an injection of oxytocin after childbirth and discharge from the maternity hospital. Sometimes a second course of treatment is needed.

There is another useful property of oxytocin specifically for women who have recently given birth, who are transitioning from colostrum production to breast milk. Its injections are a good prevention of lactostasis.

An oxytocin drip after childbirth is usually placed if they were not natural, that is, a caesarean section was performed. And after this operation, there are often problems with restoring the previous volume of the uterus and intrauterine infections.

Side effects of oxytocin during and after childbirth

During childbirth, women often experience nausea and vomiting due to oxytocin. It is believed that vomiting is a sign of a rapid opening of the cervix. But in this case, rather, a side effect from taking this drug.

The second common side effect is excessively painful contractions. Doctors in this case reduce the rate of administration of oxytocin and put "No-shpu".

And finally, the third complication is fluid retention in the body. After childbirth, the woman's legs become elephantine. And given that the drug continues to be injected intramuscularly for another three days, the situation is only getting worse.

A woman should suspect something was wrong with rare urination. But it usually goes back to normal on its own. Perhaps due to a change in the position of the bladder, the weakening of pressure on it. But in any case, with such symptoms, you should not drink a lot. It is advisable to limit yourself to 1-1.5 liters per day of liquid (total). If necessary, doctors will also prescribe diuretics. The problem will disappear by itself in about 7-10 days after delivery. Edema will gradually disappear completely.

Also, the expectant mother may experience an allergic reaction to the drug (in principle, like any other) and bradycardia. But the latter is unlikely to disturb her.

The consequences of the use of oxytocin in childbirth for the child

As we wrote earlier, now any consequences are very rare, so you should not be afraid of them. Well, this is neonatal jaundice, tachycardia or bradycardia during childbirth, hypoxia, retinal hemorrhage.

To minimize the risk of these complications, a woman, if possible, conducts most of the births under the control of the CTG apparatus.

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