December 12, 2016.
According to the National College of Midwives of France (CNSF), the misuse of oxytocin, a hormone used to promote cervical dilation and accelerate labor during childbirth, could be dangerous for the mother.
Risk of severe bleeding
According to the results of the Perinatal Survey in 2010, 64% of women who go to the hospital to give birth receive oxytocin injections. This hormone allows the dilation of the cervix, accelerates contractions and therefore the arrival of the baby. But according to work by the CNSF, which worked in collaboration with the French National College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF), the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and patients gathered within the Interassociative Collective around from birth (Ciane), this hormone should not be used routinely.
While oxytocin prevents prolonged labor, it would also increase the risk of severe bleeding in the mother. The National College of Midwives therefore recommends using this injection only when it is necessary to induce childbirth for medical reasons. Otherwise, it should be avoided to reduce the risk.
Do not abuse the medicalization of childbirth
According to Dr Camille Le Ray, obstetrician-gynecologist at Public Assistance – Paris Hospitals (AP-HP), childbirth in France is too medicalized. The objective is not so much to stop this medicalization, but not to abuse it, to find a ” middle ground ” and of ” prescribe better »Hormonal injections.
” If after an hour the baby has not descended, we can still wait before administering oxytocin », She explains. ” On the other hand, after 2 hours it must be administered because it has been shown that after the third hour at complete dilation, an increase in maternal risks, in particular hemorrhagic, was observed. “. Mothers should also be better informed of the potential risks of the products administered to them.
Read also: Breaking the taboo on fear or disgust of childbirth