Utilizarea ocitocinei în timpul travaliului

Oxytocin is the most common medication used to induce or to accelerate labor and in the third-stage management of labor. Since 2007, oxytocin has been classified as a high-alert medication. It is well known that oxytocin exerts a large range of central and peripheral effects, from the modulation of neuroendocrine reflexes to the establishment of complex social and bonding behaviors related to the reproduction and care of the offspring. However, little has been demonstrated about the intrapartum use of syntetic oxytocin and the short-term and long-term effects on the mother and foetus. The purpose of this article is to review the main maternal and fetal side effects related to the use of intrapartum oxytocin. In conclusion, oxytocin use is associated with a decrease of the number of caesarean delivery and with an increase of vaginal delivery. Although it is the most common pharmacologic agent used during labour, there is still a debate about the optimum dose regimen use. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes of oxytocin induction and augmentation of labour are rare, but severe. The use of a clear protocol for the administration and early recognition of side effects may prevent adverse maternal and fetal complications.