Evaluation of the Modalities of Administration of Synthetic Oxytocin During Spontaneous Labor

Syntocinon was granted marketing authorization in France in 1970. Since the 1960s, it has been frequently used during childbirth, particularly in cases of stagnation of cervical dilatation due to a lack of uterine contractility. According to the latest National Perinatal Survey of 2010, 66.5% of patients go into labor spontaneously and 58% of them receive Syntocinon during labor. The reported maternal effects associated with the use of synthetic oxytocin include uterine hyperactivity, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and severe PPH. The administration of oxytocin increases the risk of uterine hyperactivity in a dose-dependent manner. Regarding fetal risk, the reported adverse effects concern fetal heart rate abnormalities related to uterine hyperactivity. However, no study has shown an association between oxytocin administration and excess neonatal morbidity and mortality, except in the subpopulation of patients with a scarred uterus.