Cytotec

Cytotec: just the name sparks argument. Some providers use it for induction, some say no way, it's just too dangerous.

I have seen Cytotec used for inductions. It either doesn't do anything, or it creates a very hyperstimulated uterus. That is from my point of view as the nurse. It either doesn't work, or works too well.

I have personally caught a baby, in the caul, that preciptiously was born with a complete abruption. After one dose of Cytotec.

I have personally cared for multiple women who have horrific, painful contractions every 1-2 minutes after one single dose of Cytotec. The labors are fast, furious, and they usually move far too quickly for them to receive any kind of pain management (a.k.a. an epidural).

I have personally cared for multiple women who have received multiple doses of Cytotec for induction, and NOTHING has happened.

I have never seen a baby die from a Cytotec induction. Doesn't mean that it hasn't happened. Read Marsden Wagner's book Born In The USA. There are multiple tales of wickedly bad outcomes from Cytotec for induction.

That being said, I think Cytotec does have it's benefits.

(Wow! What did she just say? Cytotec is GOOD?!?)

Not for induction, my friends. Cytotec can work wonders for postpartum hemorrhage prevention and treatment. You need to have a high dose for it to work well, and it's placed rectally or given orally, after the birth of the baby and placenta. Cytotec is cheap, easily placed (rectally) or given orally, and is stable at room temperature. Put it simply: it works well, and works in all locations of birth (especially in 3rd world countries, where postpartum hemorrhage can kill women after birth). Here is a nice piece about cytotec for PP hemorrhage.

Thoughts? Comments? Personal stories about Cytotec?