Oxytocin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland that is produced naturally in the body to trigger labour. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to administer oxytocin externally because the internal production of this hormone is low, because postpartum haemorrhage has to be stopped, or for any other reason.
In such cases, artificial oxytocin may cause some side effects. For example, the woman may retain fluids, have longer contractions, experience postpartum haemorrhage, or the foetus may become oxygen deficient.
Read the full article on: Why is the hormone oxytocin used to stimulate labour? ( 44).
By María Rodríguez Ramírez (biologist specialized in clinical & biomedical laboratory), Marta Barranquero Gómez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist) and inviTRA Staff.
Last Update: 02/06/2023
