Induction of Labour: Oxytocin and Cervidil

Labour induction is a carefully managed process tailored to individual needs. Whether it’s through softening the cervix with medicines like oxytocin or using prostaglandin solutions like Cervidil, healthcare providers aim to ensure a safe and healthy start to labour.

Understanding the signs, expectations, and methods involved can empower expecting mothers as they navigate the journey of childbirth.

This article sheds light on the role of these two commonly used substances in managing labour. It also delves into the complexities, exploring instances where the induction of labour may lead to allegations of medical malpractice.

Understanding Labour Induction

As the due date approaches, some pregnancies may require intervention to initiate labour. This process, known as induction, becomes necessary when natural labour fails to commence or for specific medical reasons. Conditions like high blood pressure or inadequate placental support could prompt healthcare providers to consider induction.

Labour induction occurs when your pregnancy care provider starts or progresses labour using medicines or other medical methods. These methods aim to either soften the cervix, stimulate uterine contractions, or facilitate cervical dilation.

The Decision to Induce Labour

The decision to induce labour should be guided by medical necessity, considering the potential risks and complications that may arise.

Obstetric professionals highlight three scenarios where induction may be considered beneficial:

• High blood pressure at full term: When high blood pressure is observed at full term, healthcare professionals may recommend induction to mitigate potential complications associated with hypertension.
• Pre-labour rupture of membranes: Intervention may be necessary to prevent complications for both mother and baby.
• Pregnancy beyond 41 weeks: A pregnancy extending beyond 41 weeks poses inherent risks. Induction may be considered as an option to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the newborn, preventing potential complications associated with prolonged pregnancy.

It is imperative for healthcare providers to engage in thorough discussions with expectant mothers, weighing the benefits against the potential drawbacks to ensure the safest possible childbirth experience.

Medicinal Approaches for Labour Induction

When it comes to medications, there are two primary approaches:

Softening the cervix with oxytocin

Oxytocin—a synthetic version of a hormone called oxytocin—plays a key role in natural labour initiation. It is used after the cervix has softened to trigger uterine contractions.

Administration Process

Oxytocin is typically administered intravenously through a drip mechanism. The dosage is gradually increased under the supervision of healthcare professionals until labour commences.

Monitoring and Safety Measures

An experienced midwife will typically remain by your side throughout the duration of the drip. A CTG machine will be used to monitor your baby’s heart rate. This is important as the contractions can cause changes in the baby’s heart rate.

Duration and Progression

The time it takes for oxytocin to initiate labour varies among individuals. While some may experience rapid progression, others may require several hours of administration before contractions become regular and effective.

A prostaglandin approach with Cervidil

Cervidil, a prostaglandin in tablet form, is strategically placed near the cervix. It serves to soften, thin, and advance the cervix, preparing it for labour. This prostaglandin release can be left in for up to 24 hours and may be repeated.

Monitoring during this time is crucial, with some women being admitted to the hospital, while others can go home based on individual factors.

Mechanism of Action

Cervidil is typically inserted as a suppository into the vagina or applied as a gel to the cervix. This administration aims to soften and ripen the cervix, facilitating the onset of labour.

Administration and Monitoring

Following Cervidil insertion, both the mother and the baby are constantly examined for signs of progress or difficulties. Monitoring parameters such as uterine contractions, the mother’s vital signs, and fetal heart rate provide essential information to healthcare personnel to ensure a controlled and safe labour induction procedure.

Identifying Instances of Medical Malpractice in Induction of Labour

The induction of labour, a common medical intervention, becomes a subject of concern when there is a potential connection to medical malpractice. Understanding the intricate relationship between these two elements is crucial for both healthcare providers and patients seeking legal recourse.

• Unnecessary induction: Recommending or proceeding with induction without valid medical reasons, solely for convenience, can be considered malpractice.
• Failure to monitor: Adequate monitoring during induction is crucial. Failure to monitor the mother and fetus, recognize signs of distress, or respond promptly to complications may result in malpractice claims.
• Negligent administration of medications: Administration of labour-inducing drugs like oxytocin or prostaglandins requires caution. Errors in dosage or improper administration may lead to complications and potential malpractice claims.
• Failure to recognize and address complications: If complications, such as fetal distress or uterine rupture, arise during induction, healthcare providers must promptly recognize and address them. Failure to do so may be considered negligence.
• Informed consent: Medical malpractice claims may arise if healthcare providers fail to adequately inform patients about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of labour induction, leading to uninformed decision-making.

Oxytocin and Cervidil in Labour: Potential Birth Injuries

Improper use or incorrect administration of labour-inducing medications, such as Cervidil and oxytocin, can lead to various risks and complications during childbirth. These medications, when not administered according to established medical guidelines, can cause:

• Uterine hyperstimulation
• Fetal distress
• Cephalopelvic disproportion
• Hypertonic uterine inertia
• Oxygen deprivation
• Shoulder dystocia

Healthcare professionals must adhere strictly to protocols and guidelines to minimize these risks and ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Misuse or incorrect administration may be deemed a form of medical malpractice, potentially leading to legal repercussions.

Building a Medical Malpractice Case

Legal considerations may arise when healthcare professionals deviate from accepted medical practices during labour induction. Departure from established norms may be scrutinized in the context of potential malpractice claims.

Adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby may be pivotal in establishing a connection between induced labour and medical malpractice. The legal perspective often involves assessing whether harm or complications were avoidable.

Patients considering legal action should consult with experienced birth trauma lawyers to assess the viability of their case.

Contact the Birth Trauma Lawyers at Sommers Roth & Elmaleh for Skilled Representation

If you suspect that your child’s birth injury is related to the oxytocin or Cervidil that was administered during labour, you need to consult with our experienced legal team at Sommers Roth & Elmaleh without delay.

We can conduct a thorough investigation of your case with the help of medical analysts and experts. Our team of birth trauma lawyers will help you determine if misuse or incorrect administration of labour-inducing medications like oxytocin or Cervidil caused your child’s birth injury.

Contact us online or call us at 1-844-940-2386 to schedule a free case review so you don’t miss out on the necessary compensation to support ongoing care and recovery for your child.