Pitocin Can Lead to Birth Injury

Pitocin is commonly used to induce labor while a woman is in the hospital. Even though this synthetic oxytocin is frequently utilized by doctors, it has been associated with serious birth injuries. It has also been referred to as one of the most abused drugs in the world today.

Oxytocin is a hormone involved in the labor process. Physicians use Pitocin to cause uterine contractions, which helps start labor, speed up a slow labor or causes the uterus to clamp down and stop bleeding after the baby is born.

There are some significant risks and complications associated with Pitocin, including its tendency to produce contractions that are longer and more intense than normal contractions. As a result, the contractions can restrict oxygen supply to the baby, causing fetal distress. Some of the other associated risks of Pitocin include the following:

• Uterine rupture in the mother
• Cervical tearing
• Excessive bleeding postpartum
• Fetal malposition
• Need to perform a C-section due to dystocia or fetal distress
• Depressed fetal heart rate pattern
• Fetal distress from decreased oxygen supply
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy suffered by the infant

It is crucial that physicians closely monitor the mother and unborn child to detect any problems. Many cases of death and serious birth injuries have been linked to Pitocin overdose.

If your child has suffered a birth injury due to a negligent doctor, nurse or hospital, you should hold the medical provider accountable and could be entitled to financial compensation. Contact a Louisville medical malpractice attorney today at Gray and White Law at (502) 637-6000 or (800) 637-6033 for legal advice. We are experienced at handling birth injury cases and can help you receive compensation that your family deserves.