Pitocin is a medication that is used by physicians to induce or progress labor to aid in the birth of a child. When used carefully and correctly, Pitocin is generally safe. The improper use of Pitocin, however, can cause serious harm to both the mother and baby. For this reason, it is frequently at the center of birth injury and medical malpractice claims.
What Is Pitocin?
Pitocin is a medication used to stimulate contractions and induce labor in a pregnant woman. It is an artificial or synthetic form of oxytocin, a natural hormone that triggers the labor process. Dispensing Pitocin – done through intravenous drip – is performed when a doctor wishes to induce labor or speed up the labor process, such as to prevent possible birth complications connected to prolonged labor.
What Are the Risks of Pitocin?
Pitocin can have a wide range of side effects or adverse health effects on the mother and baby, even if used correctly. However, the incorrect use greatly increases the risk of problems. Unwanted and potentially dangerous effects include:
- Stronger and more painful contractions
- Uterine hyperstimulation (too many contractions)
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Water intoxication
If negative health outcomes are caused by the improper use of Pitocin, such as an overdose or its use when not medically safe, this is a form of medical malpractice.
Proper vs. Improper Use of Pitocin During Labor
The use of Pitocin is not medically recommended in dangerous situations, such as if the baby is in breech position, signs of fetal distress are detected, the mother is at a high risk of uterine rupture, the placenta is covering the cervix (placenta previa) or the mother’s pelvis is too small for vaginal delivery. Recommending or administering Pitocin in these situations could be medical malpractice if a reasonably prudent physician would not have.
Another form of medical negligence is a dangerous lack of patient monitoring during Pitocin dosing. It is important for a patient receiving Pitocin to be carefully monitored, as the amount of the drug may need to be adjusted if the uterus reacts too quickly or too strongly. An excessively high dose of Pitocin can lead to contractions occurring too strongly or too frequently, a lack of oxygen reaching the baby, uterine rupture, and the need for an emergency C-section.
When to Contact an Attorney About the Improper Use of Pitocin
Various infant birth injuries are related to the improper use of Pitocin, including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), brain damage, cerebral palsy, stroke and stillbirth. Injuries to the mother can also occur, and include uterine rupture, hemorrhaging, infection and the need for emergency surgery.
If there are signs that Pitocin was improperly administered during the labor and delivery process, the mother may have the right to file a medical negligence claim against the health care provider, hospital or birthing center. A Minneapolis birth injury lawyer can help identify the signs of Pitocin drug errors, collect evidence of malpractice, bring a claim against one or more parties, and negotiate for fair financial compensation on the client’s behalf.
To discuss a potential Pitocin-related malpractice claim in Minnesota, contact Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC for a free initial consultation. We have over 40 years of experience and have recovered more than $200 million for our clients, including a recent $29 million birth injury verdict.