Care in Normal Birth (WHO, 1996, 60 p.): 3. CARE DURING THE FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR: 3.5 Prevention of Prolonged Labour: 3.5.3 Intramuscular oxytocin administration

Care in Normal Birth (WHO, 1996, 60 p.)

3. CARE DURING THE FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR

3.5 Prevention of Prolonged Labour

		(introduction...)
		3.5.1 Early amniotomy
		3.5.2 Intravenous infusion of oxytocin
		3.5.3 Intramuscular oxytocin administration

3.5.3 Intramuscular oxytocin administration

Use of any intramuscular oxytocic before the birth of the infant is generally regarded as dangerous, because the dosage cannot be adapted to the level of uterine activity. Hyperstimulation may result and is harmful to the fetus. An increase in the incidence of ruptured uterus, with corresponding grave sequelae, has also been linked to this practice (Kone 1993, Zheng 1994). Nevertheless intramuscular oxytocin administration is still practised, sometimes at the request of pregnant women or her family expecting a more rapid delivery. In some developing countries the drug can be bought on the market. This harmful practice should be abandoned. The same holds true for the administration of other oxytocics, like prostaglandins, at any time before delivery in such a way that their effect cannot be controlled.