Augmentation of Labor: A Review of Oxytocin Augmentation and Active Management of Labor

Annessa Kernberg; Aaron B Caughey

doi:10.1016/j.ogc.2017.08.012

Augmentation of Labor: A Review of Oxytocin Augmentation and Active Management of Labor

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2017 Dec;44(4):593-600. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2017.08.012.

Authors

Annessa Kernberg¹, Aaron B Caughey²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. Electronic address: Kernberg@OHSU.edu.
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA.

PMID: 29078941
DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2017.08.012

Abstract

Labor augmentation can be used to hasten labor, shorten the time to delivery, and perhaps reduce the risk of cesarean delivery. Particularly in women with longer labors or less frequent contractions, oxytocin augmentation seems to have positive impacts on these outcomes. Despite this, the evidence for augmentation alone on the risk of cesarean delivery is unclear, with varying evidence. More recently, oxytocin protocols have been recommended to standardize care and ensure patient safety.

Keywords: Augmentation; Cesarean; Oxytocin; Oxytocin protocol.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Clinical Protocols
Female
Humans
Labor, Induced* / adverse effects
Labor, Induced* / methods
Labor, Obstetric* / drug effects
Labor, Obstetric* / physiology
Oxytocics / pharmacology
Oxytocin / pharmacology*
Pregnancy
Safety Management
Trial of Labor

Substances

Oxytocics
Oxytocin