The hormone oxytocin is formed in the brain: in the hypothalamus, with further transportation to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, where it accumulates and is released into the blood.
The hormone is directly responsible for functions related to lactation and childbirth, with stimulation of smooth uterine muscles, increased contractions, increased secretion of prolactin– the hormone responsible for milk production. Accordingly, oxytocin has a positive effect on lactation, helping to increase the release of milk so that it enters the ducts from the mammary glands. Oxytocin enters the mammary glands and uterus of a woman along with the blood.
Many people are of the opinion that the effect of oxytocin extends to human psychology. As a result, it promotes a woman's attachment to her child after childbirth, provides a positive effect for people, increasing trust and tenderness of feelings.
The amount of oxytocin in the body does not depend on the menstrual cycle. Changes in its level during pregnancy. The maximum level of its production is typical for the last stages of pregnancy, especially at night. This is the reason why labor usually begins at night. After all, the peak concentration of the hormone oxytocin leads to childbirth.
In medical practice, the use of artificially synthesized hormone oxytocin is envisaged. It is usually administered intravenously or intramuscularly. Subcutaneous administration is less common, because oral administration leads to rapid deactivation under the action of enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract of the body.
The purpose of the hormone is usually to increase the contractile activity of the uterus when there is a weak labor activity. The effect of oxytocin use occurs after 3-5 minutes, lasting about 3 hours. A small amount of the hormone reaches the fetus without affecting it.
The hormone leads to an increase in the duration and strength of contractions. With a greater opening of the uterus, sensitivity to the action of oxytocin increases. For the possibility of hormone administration, the cervix must be ready: with sufficient softening and shortening, with an open channel.
During the active phase of labor, the effectiveness of oxytocin increases. In particular, when opening the uterine cervix by 6 cm or more. The hormone is also used to weaken contractions, with a back view of occipital presentation, or to turn the child.
The administration of oxytocin is possible only if the membranes are opened or ruptured on their own.
Obstetricians believe that hormones should be prescribed only for therapeutic purposes. The use of the drug to speed up the completion of labor during a normal pregnancy, or use at her request or on the recommendations of a doctor without proper justification is completely prohibited.
Indications for the administration of oxytocin during pregnancy
- The drug is prescribed to stimulate labor activity. If there is a risk of complications for a woman or child during childbirth. For example, if there is a discharge of amniotic fluid before the due date or there are no contractions.
- With progressive gestosis in a woman, which leads to threats to the health of the woman and the child.
- Pronounced Rhesus conflict (in the female body, the production of antibodies is possible, leading to the destruction of fetal red blood cells).
- To stimulate or re-enhance labor activity, if it has been weakened.
It is likely that oxytocin is prescribed after childbirth, when insufficient uterine contractions occur after childbirth. Or it can be used for prevention, including uterine bleeding after childbirth. However, its use after childbirth is infrequently common, since a synthetic hormone can be perceived by the body as a substitute for natural hormone production.
This process will lead to negative consequences for lactation. The optimal way to avoid oxytocin is to feed the newborn as often as possible. In this case, milk will arrive, leading to more frequent contractions of the uterus.
Indications for oxytocin during pregnancy:
- If natural childbirth is impossible.
- When the size of the baby's head and the woman's pelvis do not match, or the child is large, also with hydrocephalus or an incorrect location of hydrocephalus. It is forbidden to use it in case of problems with the umbilical cord.
- The risk of uterine rupture.
- The presence of scars on the uterus.
- Immature uterine cervix.
- With tumors of the uterine cervix, atresia, and scarring that interfere with the opening of the uterine cervix.
- If a woman's body is excessively sensitive to the effects of oxytocin.
Also, with extreme caution, the drug is prescribed for uterine fibroids or multiple pregnancies.
Doctors should also carefully consider prescribing oxytocin for hypoxia in a child.
The amount of oxytocin administered is determined so that the cervix opens at a rate similar to normal childbirth, given the danger of excessive stimulation of uterine contractions for the woman and the child.
The administration of the drug begins with a few drops, the dosage is adjusted to a dozen drops per minute – contributing to vigorous labor. After achieving the desired result, the level of solution administration is minimized. Improper dosage can lead to increased contractions, which become longer.
If oxytocin is used improperly, there is a risk of deterioration of the baby's condition, premature placental abruption, increased risks of birth trauma, postpartum bleeding and uterine atony. The level of oxygen supplied to the baby may be reduced, and the risk of birth injuries may increase.
Many people are of the opinion that doctors abuse the use of oxytocin in their practice. They are of the opinion that childbirth without the drug will take longer, but it will be natural and much more painless. If you’re wondering how to get my promo code on 1xBet, you’ll find them either in your app or on the website. Just go to your account and then to your received messages. This will contain a promo section where you can see all of the latest deals. The
1xbet free promo code or bonus offers are available for all registered users. But these are applicable only once each player. Same bonus can’t be used more than once.
