When not enough oxytocin is produced naturally, it is necessary to administer oxytocin externally. The use of synthetic or artificial oxytocin makes it possible to bring labour forward when the life of the woman or the foetus could be endangered if the pregnancy is allowed to continue any longer.
In addition, this artificial hormone is also used if the contractions of the uterus are not strong enough or to perform the POSSE test to assess the intrauterine well-being of the foetus. The dose of oxytocin depends on the individual patient and is monitored by the doctor throughout the process.
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
