[Oxytocin administration during spontaneous labour: Guidelines for clinical practice. Guidelines short text]

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Spontaneous labor progresses through distinct latent and active phases.
• Synthetic oxytocin is frequently used to manage labor abnormalities.
• Understanding its effects and risks is vital for clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• Define stages of spontaneous labor.
• Determine indications and effects of synthetic oxytocin.
• Describe adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes of synthetic oxytocin use.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of Medline database and obstetrics society websites.
• Literature search conducted up to March 2016.

Main Results:

• Labor divided into latent (<5cm dilation) and active phases.
• Oxytocin and amniotomy not routinely recommended in latent phase.
• Oxytocin indicated for active phase dystocia and prolonged second stage, with specific dosage protocols.
• Adverse effects include uterine hyperstimulation, rupture, PPH, fetal distress, jaundice, and potential long-term neonatal issues.

Conclusions:

• Synthetic oxytocin is not without risk and requires strict adherence to medical protocols.
• Indications for oxytocin use and patient consent must be documented.
• Judicious use is essential to mitigate adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.