The labor induction drug oxytocin vs misoprostol: which is most effective?

Induction is sometimes necessary for some mothers who do not show signs of childbirth even though the time has come. Labor induction can be done in various ways, one of which is by using drugs. There are several drugs commonly used to stimulate uterine contractions, namely phytocin and misoprostol. Let's explore one by one of these two labor induction drug options.

Comparison of labor induction drugs

If your cervix has not started to soften, thin, or open, it means that your body is not ready to give birth. This is where the role of induction drugs begins. Basically, both phytocin and misoprostol serve to stimulate labor to occur immediately. The difference is how it works and the effectiveness of each drug.

How pitocin works

Pitocin is actually a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin that is produced naturally in the body. Pitocin is used to dilate the cervix, as well as to stimulate or increase uterine contractions.

The doctor will give pythosin through intravenous fluids in low doses. How much of the required amount of phytocin will be tailored to your needs. This additional supply of oxytocin will speed up the birth of the baby by triggering the fetal exit reflex and making it easier for it to pass down the birth canal.

How Misoprostol works

Misoprostol is a labor induction drug that acts like a natural prostaglandin hormone. Misoprostol works to make the cervix thin or open, as well as stimulate labor contractions.

This medicine can also be given as a first aid step when the cervix has severe tearing or bleeding after delivery.

Misoprostol is given by doctors by inserting a drug into your vagina, or given to you to drink directly. However, misoprostol given vaginally is more effective at ripening the cervix and speeding up the birth of the baby than taken orally. For labor induction, the dose used is 25 mcg vaginally every 4 to 6 hours.

Which works faster?

Of the 5,400 women who were randomly tested, more than 45 were more effective at using intravenous misoprostol than oxytocin. This condition is seen from the effect on the birth within 24 hours.

The rate of cesarean delivery with vaginal misoprostol was also lower than that of oxytocin alone. However, it is not certain whether misoprostol will prove to be the most effective drug in labor induction.

Which is more effective at reducing pain?

Broadly speaking, these two labor induction drugs help stimulate uterine contractions. However oxytocin is a more effective drug to help reduce labor pains. The use of oxytocin in labor triggers the body to release endorphins. Endorphins are natural pain-relieving hormones that can help you deal with the pain of contractions.

When you use Misoprostol, the effects that often occur are abnormal uterine contractions such as hypertonus syndrome (excess uterine muscle contraction) and hyperstimulation (contractions that last longer than 90 seconds or more than five contractions in 10 minutes).

The incidence of hyperstimulation depends on the dose of misoprostol and the frequency of administration. Effects such as nausea, vomiting can occur but quite rarely. Complications of using Misoprostol include tearing of the uterus due to prolonged and too strong contractions to the death of the fetus. However, the incidence of complications is low.

When compared with oxytocin, misoprotol gives more painful effects. But usually this can be overcome by changing the sleeping position of the mother and giving oxygen with a face mask.

Oxytocin helps build a bond between mother and baby

Oxytocin is also known as the love hormone. That is why high oxytocin levels in the body will help mothers build a bond with their newborn children. Meanwhile, misoprostol actually inhibits the release of the natural hormone oxytocin, which can interfere with this process. The reason is, misoprostol does not work up to the brain like natural oxytocin.

If you are considering using labor induction drugs, consult your doctor first to find out the benefits and risks for your condition.