Pitocin: Is the Pit Bull? - Page 2

In reality though, due date paranoia remains the most common reason for induction and the consequent use of pitocin. Surprisingly, studies on the due date calculations revealed frightening evidence. Firstly, the due date varies significantly between first time pregnancies and subsequent pregnancies.³ Also, maternal race has been shown to be a determining factor in gestation time.⁴ Another variable to the accuracy of the due date is the recent dependence of ultrasound as a reliable criteria for infant size and gestational age. First trimester measurements have an error bar of ± 5 days, increasing to ± 8 days in the second trimester and are as high as ± 25 days in the third trimester!⁵ Bigger fetuses are assumed to be older and in studies where the ovulation date was known 70% of women who were classified as postdates were incorrectly dated.⁶

Furthermore, studies on induction have shown that 30% of fetuses testing normal developed fetal distress when labor was electively induced and the cesarean rate was 15% verses 2% for spontaneous labor.⁷

Using pitocin to enhance labor leads to an increase in epidurals, and therefore obstetric intervention during birth adding additional risks to both the mother and baby. (See ICPA Newsletter Jan/Feb, 1999). And finally, a controlled randomized study showed that the use of pitocin to stimulate labor was not as productive for the progression of labor as allowing mothers to change positions during labor by walking, sitting or standing.⁸ Giving the mother back control of her body--what a novel idea and topic for a future newsletter.

As more and more interventions are added to the birth process, the cause of birth trauma is proportionately rising. It is our job as chiropractors to continue to educate mothers about the choices they have in birth and help reduce the devastating effects birth trauma is having on their babies' delicate nervous systems. It is a huge job ahead of us, yet I know chiropractors have the passion and the means to make it happen!

References:

1. "A Good Birth, A Safe Birth" Diana Korte and Roberta Scaer
2. Caldeyro-Barcia R. "Some consequences of obstetrical interference. Birth Spring 1975; 2(2)
3. Mittendorf R, Williams MA, Berkey CS, Cotter PF. The Length of uncomplicated human gestation. Obstet Gynecol 1990; 75(6): 929-932
4. ibid
5. Otto C, Platt LD. Fetal growth and development. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 1991; 18(4) 907-931
6. Nichols CW. Postdate pregnancy. Part I. A literature review. J Nurse Midwifery. 1985; 30(4):222-39
7. Devoe LD, Sholl JS. Postdates pregnancy. Assessment of fetal risk and obstetric management. J Reprod Med 1983; 28(9); 576-580
8. Read JA, Miller FC, Paul RH. Randomized trial of ambulation versus oxytocin for labor enhancement: a preliminary report. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1981;139(6):669-72

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