Your labor has been going on for a long time, and your contractions are not strong enough to help move the labor forward.
To support your delivery, we may use medicines that strengthen the contractions of the uterus, so that your labor can progress more smoothly.
Benefits of uterotonic medicines
By using these medicines to make your contractions stronger, labor can move forward more efficiently.
This reduces the strain on both you and your baby from a prolonged labor.
As a result, the chances of having a safe delivery for both mother and baby will be higher.
Possible disadvantages
The effect of these medicines can vary from person to person.
Sometimes the contractions may not become strong enough, while other times they may become too strong.
We always start with a very small amount and carefully adjust the dose while closely monitoring your contractions and your baby’s condition.
Our main goal is to support a natural vaginal delivery.
However, depending on how labor progresses and how you and your baby are doing, we may need to help with a vacuum delivery or, in some cases, switch to an emergency cesarean section.
Possible risks and side effects
Like all medicines, uterotonic drugs can have side effects.
1. Strong contractions (Hyperstimulation)
In some cases, contractions may become much too strong, even if only a small amount of medicine is used.
If this continues, the uterus may tear, or the blood flow to the uterus may decrease, which can cause the baby to become short of oxygen.
That is why we will continuously monitor both your contractions and your baby’s heart rate, and if there are any problems, we will act immediately.
2. Shock or allergic reactions
Rarely, some women may experience nausea, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, or an allergic reaction.
If this happens, we will stop the medicine right away and give the necessary treatment.
How the medicine is given
The medicine is given by IV drip.
We use an infusion pump to carefully control the amount, starting from a very small dose and gradually increasing it until effective contractions are achieved.
At the same time, we use a monitor on your abdomen to continuously check the strength of your contractions and your baby’s heart rate, so please be reassured.
Medicines we may use
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Oxytocin (Atonin)
This medicine strengthens each uterine contraction. The effect varies depending on the individual and the stage of pregnancy. -
Prostaglandin F2α
This medicine causes slower, longer contractions and also helps to soften the cervix.
However, it cannot be used in women with asthma or glaucoma.
These medicines may be necessary to help you and your baby have a safe delivery.
We will stay by your side, carefully monitor your condition, and take immediate action if anything unusual happens.
Please feel reassured — we are here to support you and your baby.
