Contents:
- Comparison of the workings of labor induction drugs
- How pitocin works
- How to work misoprostol
- Which works faster?
- Which is more effective at reducing pain?
- Oxytocin helps build an inner bond between mother and baby
Induction is sometimes needed for some mothers who do not show signs of giving birth even though the time has come. Labor induction can be done in various ways, one of which is using drugs. There are several drugs commonly used to stimulate uterine contractions, namely pitocin and misoprostol. Let's peel one by one from these two choices of labor induction drugs.
Comparison of the workings of labor induction drugs
If the condition of the cervix has not begun to soften, thin, or open, it means that your body is not ready to give birth. This is where the role of induction medicine begins. Basically, both pitocin and misoprostol function to stimulate labor to occur immediately. The difference is the way of working and the effectiveness of each drug.
How pitocin works
Pitocin is actually a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin which is produced naturally in the body. Pitocin is used to dilate the cervix, also to stimulate or increase uterine contractions.
The doctor will give pitosin through low-dose intravenous fluids. How many pitosins are needed will be adjusted to your needs. This additional supply of oxytocin will accelerate the birth of the baby by triggering the reflex of the fetus and making it easier to go down through the birth pathway.
How to work misoprostol
Misoprostol is a labor induction drug that acts like a natural prostaglandin hormone. Misoprostol works to make the cervix thinner or open, while stimulating labor contractions.
This drug can also be given as a first aid step when the cervix experiences tears or severe bleeding after labor.
Misoprostol is given by the doctor by inserting medication into your vagina, or given to you for direct drinking. However, misoprostol administered vaginally is more effective for ripening the cervix and speeding up the birth of the baby than those taken orally. For induction of labor, the dose used is 25 mcg over the vagina every 4 to 6 hours.
Which works faster?
Driven by 5,400 women who were randomly tested, more than 45 people were more effective using misoprostol which was inserted vaginally than oxytocin. This condition is seen from the effect on birth within 24 hours.
The rate of cesarean delivery with vaginal misoprostol is also lower compared to oxytocin alone. However, it cannot be ascertained whether misoprostol is proven to be the most effective drug in labor induction.
Which is more effective at reducing pain?
Broadly speaking, these two labor induction drugs both help stimulate uterine contractions. But oxytocin is a more effective drug to help reduce labor pain. The use of oxytocin in labor will trigger the body to release endorphins. Endorphins are natural pain relieving hormones, which can help you deal with pain during contractions.
When you use misoprostol, the effect that often occurs is the presence of uterine contraction abnormalities such as hypertonus syndrome (excessive uterine muscle contractions) and hyperstimulation (contractions that last longer than 90 seconds or more than five contractions in 10 minutes).
The hyperstimulation event depends on the dose of misoprostol and the frequency of administration. Effects like nausea, vomiting can occur but are quite rare. Complications of using misoprostol include tearing of the uterus caused by contractions that are too strong and long to the death of the fetus. However, the rate of complications is fairly low.
When compared with oxytocin, giving misoprotol gives a more painful effect. But usually this can be overcome by changing the position of mother's sleep and giving oxygen with a face mask.
Oxytocin helps build an inner bond between mother and baby
Oxytocin is also known as the hormone of love. That's why high oxytocin levels in the body will help mothers build inner bonds with their newborn child. Meanwhile, misoprostol actually inhibits the release of the natural hormone oxytocin which can interfere with this process. Because, misoprostol does not work to the brain like natural oxytocin.
If you are considering using a labor induction drug, consult your doctor first to find out the benefits and risks for your condition.
