
New Research has confirmed that induction of a woman’s labour, has adverse effects to the newborn baby.
The study involved 3,000 women over a 2 year period
The Research found that induction and augmentation of labour with oxytocin was an independent risk factor for unexpected admission to the NICU, for full-term infants lasting more than 24 hours, and was the first time research into the use of Oxytocin to Induce Labour has been undertaken.
Apgar scores of fewer than seven at five minutes. The Apgar is a test that evaluates a newborn’s physical condition at one and five minutes after birth:
The Apgar Test is based on:
- skin colour;
- heart rate;
- grimace response;
- activity and muscle tone; and
- breathing rate and effort.
“ The analysis suggests that oxytocin use may not be as safe as once thought and that proper indications for its use should be documented for further study. “However, we don’t want to discourage the use of Pitocin, but simply want a more systematic and conscientious approach to the indications for its use.”
Adverse Effects of Pitocin in Newborns