Final answer:
A cervix that is 5 cm dilated with contractions that are shorter and less frequent is indicative of a hypotonic labor pattern, which might require medical intervention such as Pitocin.
Step-by-step explanation:
The labor pattern when a woman's cervix is 5 cm dilated but her contractions are becoming shorter and less frequent is considered hypotonic. This pattern is atypical because in normal labor, contractions become longer, stronger, and closer together as the cervix dilates and effaces. True labor advances through a loop where uterine contractions, assisted by oxytocin release, lead to further dilation and effacement. If labor stalls before the active phase or if contractions are not effectively dilating the cervix, it may be necessary to use synthetic oxytocin, also known as Pitocin, to augment labor.