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Q: I’m scheduled for an induction. I really wanted a natural delivery, so I’m hoping the baby comes on her own before then! I’ve heard that Pitocin can be harder to deal with than labor that starts on its own. Is this true?
A: Pitocin is the synthetic form of the natural hormone oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. When a pregnancy goes past term to a point when the medical team feels the baby may be at risk, they may induce labor by giving the mother Pitocin intravenously.
Pitocin can create quite strong contractions, requiring pain medication or an epidural earlier in labor than might otherwise be required. Its use also requires electronic fetal monitoring. While Pitocin is a valuable tool in delivering post-term babies, you may be able to stimulate labor naturally by taking long walks.
One simple way of increasing your body’s production of oxytocin, the natural hormone, is sexual intercourse (which is safe throughout pregnancy unless your waters have broken or your healthcare provider advises otherwise).
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