CHICAGO CYTOTEC BIRTH INJURY LAWYER

What is Cytotec?

Cytotec, also known as misoprostol, is a medication that’s mainly used to prevent stomach ulcers while a patient is taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The goal is to reduce stomach acid in order to protect the stomach lining, therefore preventing gastric ulcers and possible bleeding. Common Cytotec adverse reactions can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Misoprostol tablets have other uses too. For example, misoprostol can be taken in conjunction with a progesterone blocker called mifepristone to end a pregnancy that is fewer than 10 weeks along.

There are other off-label uses for the Cytotec pill, and they are labor induction and decreasing blood loss after birth (postpartum hemorrhage). Doctors began noticing in the 1970s that not only does Cytotec help prevent and treat stomach ulcers, but it softens the cervix and induces labor in pregnant women. This is typically done through vaginal administration rather than oral administration.

Now, Cytotec is considered one of the best and most cost-effective ways to induce labor. For example, other labor inducing drugs (like Pitocin) cost up to $150 per prescription while a Cytotec prescription only costs $0.60. However, off-label use of this medication is not FDA approved, and there are no clinical trials to support this use either. Administering Cytotec for induction of labor can result in major adverse effects for both the mother and the baby.

What is Labor Induction?

Induction of labor means that the uterus has been told to contract before labor actually begins in order to prepare for a vaginal birth. Normally, the hormone oxytocin is responsible for labor induction, but sometimes, natural labor induction doesn’t happen in a timely manner. So doctors will resort to inducing uterine contractions through the following methods:

• Cervical Ripening: Doctors may prescribe oral or vaginal prostaglandins (naturally occurring chemicals in the body) to soften the cervix and begin the labor and delivery process. Cervical ripening can also be done by inserting a catheter into the vagina with an inflatable balloon. The balloon is inserted into the cervix and is slowly filled up with saline, which helps soften the cervix.
• Stripping the Amniotic Sac Membranes: This labor induction technique involves a doctor using a gloved finger to “sweep” the amniotic sac to separate it from the cervix and the lower uterine wall. This technique may encourage the labor process to begin.
• Amniotomy: A pregnant woman usually knows to head to the hospital when her water breaks, because this typically signals the beginning of the labor and delivery process. Occasionally though, this doesn’t happen naturally and in a timely manner, so doctors will make it happen with an amniotomy. During this procedure, a doctor will make a small opening in the amniotic sac which will cause the water to break. It’s only appropriate to rupture the amniotic sac when the baby’s head is in the proper position in the pelvis and the cervix is already partially dilated.
• Intravenous Medications: Doctors may inject Pitocin or similar medications intravenously to get the uterus to begin contracting. Pitocin is basically the hormone oxytocin which is responsible for labor induction. Some doctors may use Cytotec instead.

Why Some Women Need To Be Induced

The decision to induce labor isn’t one to be taken lightly. Pregnant mothers may even ask to be induced if they are nearly 40 weeks pregnant or overdue. Doctors will need to consider multiple factors before inducing labor, such as the mother’s overall health and cervix status as well as the baby’s health, size, weight, gestational age, and uterine positioning.

Common reasons to induce labor may include:

• The mother is past the 40 week mark and labor has not begun naturally.
• The mother’s water has broken, but labor still hasn’t begun.
• There is some kind of uterine infection.
• Fetal growth restriction, which is when the baby’s weight is less than the 10th percentile for its gestational age.
• There isn’t enough amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.
• Gestational diabetes which can lead to a variety of complications for both mother and baby during the birthing process.
• Developing high blood pressure during pregnancy or preeclampsia during pregnancy, both of which are very dangerous conditions for the mother and baby.
• Partial or complete placental abruption.
• Certain medical conditions during pregnancy, such as obesity or kidney, lung, or heart disease.