Pulsed oxytocin infusion in the induction of labour

A randomized controlled trial was mounted in which induction of labour at term was successfully accomplished in 12 patients by amniotomy and intermittent (or pulsed) oxytocin, compared with 16 patients receiving continuous oxytocin. In the pulsed group, oxytocin was infused for one minute in every ten using a modified Cardiff Infusion System Mark III in the automatic setting. Compared with the control group the induction-delivery and induction-to-full-dilatation intervals were similar but the total dose of oxytocin required was significantly lower in the pulsed group than in the control group.