Oxytocin for the induction of labor

The obstetric benefits and dangers of using oxytocin to promote uterine activity have long been appreciated. The induction of labor should be undertaken when the positive reasons for delivery outweigh the risks of allowing the pregnancy to continue. Over the years, recognition of the pharmacokinetics of oxytocin has led to modifications in how it is administered for the induction of labor. Most would agree that it should be used in the lowest possible dose that will provide a safe as well as efficacious process of labor for both patients: the woman and her fetus. The sensitivity of the uterus to oxytocin varies with gestational age and from individual to individual. Likewise, each fetus exhibits its own tolerance to the effects of this drug. Close surveillance of each patient's uterine activity response and labor curve and of her fetus's heart rate response is an essential part of the induction of labor.