Should I Get Pitocin After Delivery?

Yes. The Association of Women's Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nurses as well as the World Health Organization recommend giving Pitocin after birth to prevent and treat postpartum hemorrhage, which affects around 3 percent of U.S. women. That doesn't mean you have to have it, though.

Why do you get Pitocin after delivery?

We sometimes give Pitocin after delivery to help the uterus stop bleeding by squeezing down on the raw blood vessels exposed as the placenta is released.

When should you not give Pitocin?

The cervix should be dilating at a rate of 1 cm per hour, and the dose should be reduced once the cervix has dilated to 5-7cm. Pitocin is usually stopped once dilation reaches 7-8cm.