Is there a more glorious moment than childbirth? The miracle of birth creates a bond between mother and child that is like no other. Unfortunately, not every birth is the perfect, magical experience dreamed of by expectant mothers. Sometimes the baby needs a little help making his or her debut into the world. This help may come in the form of Pitocin.

Pitocin is a synthetically created form of the naturally occurring hormone oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. When a pregnant mother is overdue, sometimes the obstetrician will induce labor with an intravenous drip of Pitocin. While it can speed things along, Pitocin must be used carefully in a hospital setting and it is not recommended for elective induction. Elective induction simply means induced labor when there is no medical reason for it.

Since Pitocin is synthetic, it does not produce exactly the same kind of uterine contractions as its natural counterpart. Many women report longer, stronger contractions that are closer together and sometimes have "double peeks." This may actually mean that contractions are running together, rather peaking and falling like usual. This makes labor move far more quickly, and the baby may be born earlier than expected.

In some cases, the doctor will turn down the dose of Pitocin as labor progresses, to avoid causing trauma to mother or baby. A break from the strong, continuous contractions also gives the mother a chance to rest a bit before delivery occurs. Occasionally, Pitocin may cause side effects such as increased pain, the need more or stronger pain medication, or may cause distress to the baby. As with any medication, these as well as other side effects associated with Pitocin should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

For many pregnant women, Pitocin is considered a lifesaver. After a week of being overdue, many mothers beg to be induced. While some are able to wait patiently until the baby is good and ready to arrive, others become overwhelmed and seek relief. If you recently learned that you are pregnant, it is not too soon to discuss birthing options, including Pitocin, with your obstetrician and birth coach. Having done so, everyone will know what to expect if induction becomes necessary later on.