Episode 165 Oxytocin Use

Discover  the hormone oxytocin and its role in the birthing process  in the latest ObsPod episode. We unravel the dual nature of this potent hormone, once an unquestioned staple in Active Management of Labour.  Listen as we share an engaging conversation about its physiological impacts, the delicate balancing act required for its use in inducing labor, and the critical examination of its application in natural labor progression.We discuss use of oxytocin over time,  We tackle the tough questions about its contribution to caesarean birth rates and dissect the role that confirmation bias has played in obstetric intervention. With a focus on the value of one-to-one midwifery care and the potential consequences of oxytocin use, such as hyperstimulation and fetal distress, our discussion paints a comprehensive picture of the complexities involved in labor management. We take a  look at the risks associated with administering oxytocin during labor. Highlighting scenarios where its use is beneficial against those where caution is paramount, we stress the importance of respecting natural labor progression, discussing alternatives. I extend an invitation to our listeners to contribute to the conversation and support the ObsPod, remember that this episode isn't just about the clinical—it's about informed consent and empowering women to make the right choices for their births.Want to know more?https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1996.tb09734.xhttps://www.cochrane.org/CD007123/PREG_the-effectuse-of-the-drug-oxytocin-as-a-treatment-for-slow-progress-in-labourhttps://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng235https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng235/evidence/f-use-of-oxytocin-in-the-first-or-second-stage-of-labour-pdf-13186672963Thank you all for listening,  My name is Florence Wilcock I am an NHS doctor working as an obstetrician, specialising in the care of both mother and baby during pregnancy and birth. If you have enjoyed my podcast please do continue to subscribe, rate, review and recommend my podcast on your podcast provider.If you have found my ideas helpful whilst expecting your baby or working in maternity care please spread the word & help theobspod reach other parents or staff who may be interested in exploring all things pregnancy and birth. Keeping my podcast running  without ads or sponsorship is important to me. I want to keep it free and accessible to all but it costs me a small amount each month to maintain and keep the episodes live, if you wish to contribute anything to  support theobspod please head over to my buy me a coffee page  https://bmc.link/theobspodV any donation very gratefully received however small. Its easy to explore my back catalogue of episodes, I have a wide range of topics that may help you make decisions for yourself and your baby during pregnancy as well as some more reflective episodes on life as a doctor. If you want to get in touch to suggest topics, I love to hear your thoughts and ideas. You can find out more about me on Instagram @TheObsPod and email me on [email protected] Please also check out #MatExp matexp.org.uk for ideas about how to improve maternity experience. My bea...