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The Use Of Pitocin ( Synthetic Oxytocin ) During Labor Induction And Augmentation Has Increased Dramatically Over The Past Few Decades

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The use of Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) in labor induction and augmentation has increased dramatically over the past few decades, and this should be a great cause for concern given the many possible consequences related to it. Pitocin has been directly related to postpartum hemorrhaging in mothers and has also been associated with multiple neurological, psychological, and developmental problems in children when exposed to it during birth. Developmental disorders associated with Pitocin exposure through studies include ADHD, and autism. Another neurological disorder connected to Pitocin exposure through compiled data is bipolar disorder. These and many other issues in young children could be related to Pitocin exposure in the early …show more content…

The typical birth time after fertilization is between 38 and 42 weeks, where up to 88 percent of births would occur without intervention. It has become common practice to set a birth date at about 40 weeks gestation, and it is not long after this time that labor is induced. Naturally, the majority of the birth process is regulated by oxytocin, a hormone that is known to control uterine contractions and play a major role in mother-child bonding and the social growth of children. If oxytocin is not being produced in sufficient amounts to begin labor by a certain time, labor is induced by the use of synthetic oxytocin, or Pitocin. Pitocin can also be used to “manage” the labor process. Pitocin has nearly the same effect as natural oxytocin, but there are some significant differences and complications that arise through its use. It should be stated that the use of Pitocin can be necessary in scenarios where waiting any longer could lead to more significant complications than those that will be mentioned. With that being stated, the first step is to recognize the differences between Pitocin and natural oxytocin. The body recognizes Pitocin as natural oxytocin, so when Pitocin levels are high the body reduces oxytocin production. One major difference between the two is the administration during labor. During a natural birth, oxytocin is released in surges, leading to powerful contractions followed by a rest period. This rest period is important

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