Pitocin

[Atlanta Girl]

Because of my intolerance to sulphur, I don't think I would be able to tolerate pitocin, the drug used for induction during delivery.  Beside, I have been reading so many horror stories about pitocin that I really don't want them to give it to me period. There are many risks associated with it (for both the baby and the mother) and moms are not even informed of the risks when it's given it to them!

I first talked about it to my midwife and yesterday I talked to the doctor.  He said they pretty much use it in most of the deliveries, not only during the inductions! Even after a c-section, they give pitocin to manage bleeding, even if it is not necessary.  Well, that is scaring me!

For the moms who deliver by c-section, were you given pitocin, that you know of? And what about natural birth?

Thanks for you inputs

ATL Girl (30 wks on Sunday)

[vidflorida]

I had pitocin and have major allery to sulfa - I had no issues what so ever.  Delivered vaginally a healthy 9 lb 14 oz baby girl...she is now 4 and wonderful!  

I was 4.5 cm dilated when I arrived at the hospital for my induction, and had been 3 cm for nearly 3 weeks.  Just thought I would share my experience!!

[tahariel]

Yeah, the pitocin was awful. If I knew before my first what I learned during labor with her, I would have tried without the pitocin instead. I had a c-section with no labor with my second (water broke but baby never dropped into the birth canal). No pitocin that one.

[Atlanta Girl]

Thanks redeft and melimeli.  No, there is no other drug used for induction, I mean that can start the contractions.  And according to my doctor, there are only 2 more options used to manage bleeding after a c-section, and both of them have worse side effects that pitocin.  Well, I would say, for me, those two options are probably much better than pitocin.

BTW, some studies have linked pitocin to autism and Asperger's syndrome.  In both of these conditions, it has been found that children have some kind of problem metabolizing sulphur. I got sensitive just few years ago and really *hope* my baby is not going to have this problem.

For more info about Pitocin you can read this article http://www.massagetoday.com/archives/2006/03/11.html

[melimeli]

I had pitocin with both of my babes... I was induced with both... all I know is it hurt like ****.. and have heard that it hurts more with it from ladies that have done both ways.. don't know if there is another drug they use to induce labor my last I had a c section after 36 hours of labor.. she wanted to come out face first... she was looking at where she was headed hahah no pun intended

[redeft]

I had pitocin when I went to deliver my son - my water had broken but no contractions.  I was on it all day and don't remember it being all that bad - pain wise.  I ended up with a c-section anyway, and I'm pretty sure I got it after the delivery that time and also after my daughters delivery too.  Both of those times I was unaware of it's effects because I think the spinals took enough time to wear off.  

I would think that if you had an allergy to it or any of it's ingredients, they wouldn't use it on you.  Also I'm pretty sure you have a right to refuse it, you should check with the hospital and their literature on patient rights.