Induction of Labour with Syntocin (synthetic Oxytocin).

Syntocin (synthetic oxytocin) called Pitocin in the United States.

This is the drug which is a synthetic form of oxytocin, (the naturally occurring hormone that causes uterine contractions) which may well be suggested to initiate labour and will be administered in a drip inserted into your arm. We recommend that you try other techniques first, because labour which is initiated with Syntocin is undoubtedly more painful and often leads to caesarean section. Because the intensity of the contraction is much greater then normal, Syntocin induced labour can be difficult to cope with and due to the frequency and strength of the contractions, it can cause the baby more distress. If you do agree to a Syntocin induction of labour, ask for the lowest dose and once labour has started ask them to stop administering it by turning the drip off. However you do have a choice, and you can suggest that you wait before agreeing to the first suggestion of a Syntocin induced labour.

Make sure you have made your feelings known about induction of labour in your birth plan and also ask for a second opinion if you are not entirely satisfied with the reasons given.

'HypnoBirthing helps avoid intervention'

If you do agree to the medical initiation of labour, ask for minimal intervention/doses and be patient. Give them time to work and do not let medical caregivers rush you on any decision unless the safety of yourself or your baby is at stake. Also, ask your midwife to explain exactly what intervention is being suggested to your birth companion and ask about the consequences of not having it. Make sure every decision you make is an informed one. Of course the last thing you will may want to be doing is weighing up the decisions at this time, so be prepared and read up about the options before you give birth. Visit the MIDIRS website and read the informed choice leaflets. We also hope that you will want to prepare yourself by joining our HypnoBirthing classes.