Pitocin Errors and Cerebral Palsy

Fact Checked

Pitocin (oxytocin) is commonly used during labor and delivery, but misuse of Pitocin can lead to cerebral palsy. It can cause overly strong contractions that can deprive a baby of oxygen. It’s essential to understand the risks associated with Pitocin and what to do if you think you or your baby were harmed.

What Is Pitocin?

Pitocin is a prescription medication administered to some women during childbirth. Pitocin is used to either strengthen contractions or to induce contractions during the labor and childbirth process.[1]

The drug is administered when medically necessary and when labor induction is in the best interest of both the mother and baby. For example, it could be necessary to induce labor during the late third trimester if the mother has maternal diabetes, preeclampsia, or failure to progress.

Other reasons to induce labor with Pitocin are when the membranes are prematurely ruptured or if there are Rh compatibility problems.

The Risks of Using Pitocin

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a “black box” warning for Pitocin concerning the risks associated with its use. A black box warning means that attention has been called to a drug with “serious or life-threatening risks.”

Research suggests that Pitocin should be used in small doses while fetal monitoring is utilized correctly. Contractions should also be monitored carefully, and once the contractions are considered adequate, the healthcare provider should discontinue Pitocin.[2]

According to the FDA, Pitocin use should be “under continuous observation by trained personnel who have a thorough knowledge of the drug and are qualified to identify complications.”[1]

If Pitocin is not used correctly, it can lead to potentially life-changing consequences.

For instance, if a healthcare provider administers too much of the drug and continues to administer it over a prolonged period of time, it could result in:

• Infant brain damage, which could lead to cerebral palsy
• Uterine rupture
• Maternal stroke
• Maternal death
• Postpartum hemorrhage
• Decreased fetal heart rate and reduced blood pressure
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Seizures
• Increase in intracranial pressure

Does Pitocin Cause Cerebral Palsy?

Keep in mind that Pitocin doesn’t always cause medical issues, and many mothers go on to deliver healthy babies. However, the outcome can be devastating for babies and mothers who are given too much Pitocin for too long.

When contractions are too strong and come on too fast, the baby will have difficulty maintaining their heart rate. If the excessive contractions continue and become too severe, the infant is at risk of developing low oxygen levels, turning into birth asphyxia and leading to cerebral palsy.

Each Mother Responds Differently to Pitocin

Doctors must work carefully with each patient to ensure the correct dosage of Pitocin is given, as one mother may not respond the same way as the next mother.

Given the high risks of injuries associated with Pitocin use, experts suggest that a doctor who can perform a C-section be readily available.[3]

Medical professionals trained to understand the signs of medical distress due to Pitocin should be readily available to watch for signs of trouble.

If you have questions about Pitocin, talk to your doctor before childbirth about labor interventions.

If you’ve given birth already and you think Pitocin may have harmed you or your child, you may have reason to file a medical malpractice suit against those responsible. Talk to a birth injury lawyer about your legal options.