Pitocin and Uterine Hyperstimulation: A Preventable Birth Danger

Pitocin is so commonly used in labor and delivery situations that many parents do not question the necessity or the risks. However, while Pitocin can help avoid some problems during labor and delivery, it can create other problems, often with serious detrimental effects to the baby.

These effects are considered preventable in many cases because they generally occur when Pitocin is not used in accordance with proper medical procedures. If your child suffered birth injuries that could have been caused by a misuse of Pitocin, it is a good idea to consult an attorney who understands the complex factors involved in birth injury cases and who can explain whether you may be eligible for compensation to help meet the family’s needs.

What Pitocin Does

Pitocin is a synthetic version of the naturally produced hormone oxytocin. It is sometimes referred to as the “love hormone” because it increases feelings of empathy, attachment, and trust in relationships, including the mother-child bond. It also reduces stress and lowers cortisol levels.

That all sounds very positive. Oxytocin is also responsible for causing the contractions of the uterus that facilitate the birth process. And that is why medical professionals use a synthetic version of it.

Pitocin is used to start labor in some cases and to encourage or strengthen it in others. It is also used to control postpartum bleeding and help deliver the placenta after birth.

When doctors determine that Pitocin should be used to induce or stimulate labor, they order it to be delivered through an IV in the mother’s arm. Sometimes a single dose can prompt the body to start labor. Other times, the level of Pitocin is increased gradually until the mother is experiencing regular, frequent contractions approximately 2-4 minutes apart. Pitocin delivery is usually reassessed at that point and may be continued, tapered, or discontinued quickly.

Inducing labor with Pitocin can avoid the need for a cesarean delivery in some mothers. It can also be used as a way to protect the mother if she is experiencing high blood pressure or signs of preeclampsia or other problems. If a mother’s water breaks but labor does not quickly follow, there is a significant risk of infection. In these types of situations, induced labor is considered medically necessary. But there are other times when Pitocin is used for convenience.

The Dangers of Pitocin

The stimulation of the uterus generated by Pitocin can quickly become overstimulation, also known as uterine hyperstimulation or tachysystole. When contractions occur too frequently or last for too long, the uterus does not relax between contractions. This can interfere with blood flow to the baby and prevent it from receiving a steady supply of oxygen. The lack of oxygen (hypoxia) can cause numerous problems and could lead to permanent birth injuries such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. It can also lead to injuries to the mother, such as a ruptured uterus.

When medical professionals are paying close attention to the baby’s heart rate and other critical indicators, they can stop the flow of Pitocin and are often able to prevent long-term injuries from occurring. But when a dose is too large, or conditions are not monitored appropriately, the results can be tragic.

Why Mistakes Happen with Pitocin Administration

Although labor and delivery centers can be moneymakers for hospitals and are often better equipped than other parts of the facility, they are still frequently understaffed, particularly given the injuries that can occur. Hospitals try to keep costs low by reducing staff to bare minimums, and their estimates of what is required are frequently unrealistic. They expect staff to monitor and respond to too many patients at once. They often establish “efficient” procedures that do not allow nurses and doctors adequate time with each patient.

However, the fault does not always lie with the facility. Doctors often become arrogant in their ability to assess a situation and determine treatment. They make decisions without getting all the information. Sometimes they will increase the Pitocin levels administered too quickly without allowing the mother’s body time to adjust. Or they increase levels without observing the mother and child’s current conditions.

Staff members may be busy or distracted and fail to properly monitor the baby’s heart rate or the strength, duration, and frequency of contractions. Or these may be reported to a physician, but the physician fails to order the necessary modifications in time.

t generally requires extensive investigation to determine the cause of a birth injury and obtain the proof necessary to establish liability. Not every law firm is prepared to manage this complex task.

Long-Term Impacts of Birth Injuries Caused by Misuse of Pitocin

When a baby is deprived of oxygen during labor and delivery, the damage often leads to long-term injuries. This can include cerebral palsy and other conditions caused by injuries to the brain. A child suffering due to oxygen deprivation may not ever be able to function normally, physically or mentally. Frequently, these children require a lifetime of special care and accommodations. They may never be able to work or enjoy the life that others take for granted. This puts tremendous strain on the entire family.

A birth injury lawyer cannot heal these injuries. However, the right legal team can help the family recover resources to smooth the transitions and build a bright future for the child and the family as a whole.

Searcy Denney Tallahassee Understands How to Succeed in Birth Injury Cases

Doctors and hospitals will not willingly admit they’ve made an error. That means it is up to the legal team working on behalf of the family to uncover evidence of negligence and present it, along with the legal arguments necessary, to secure full compensation for the injuries.

At Searcy Denney Tallahassee, we have decades of experience helping families recover the resources they need to cope with birth injuries. We understand how to overcome the challenges and put families in a position to move forward. For a free consultation on the assistance we may be able to provide in your situation, call us at 888-549-7011 or contact us online now.