Question

How do you treat inadequate contractions during labor?

1) Administer Pitocin to stimulate contractions
2) Perform a cesarean section
3) Encourage the mother to change positions
4) Provide pain relief medication

Answer 1

Administering Pitocin is the primary method for treating inadequate contractions during labor, to enhance uterine contractility and promote the progression of labor. Alternatives include position changes and pain relief; however, a cesarean section might be indicated if labor does not progress.

Step-by-step explanation:

To treat inadequate contractions during labor, one of the primary approaches is to administer Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) to stimulate contractions. This hormone plays a critical role in the positive feedback loop that progresses labor by enhancing uterine contractility, which is necessary for both dilation and effacement of the cervix. The administration of Pitocin can restart and maintain labor if it has stalled before reaching the second stage.

There are alternative methods that can be considered as well, such as encouraging the mother to change positions and providing pain relief medication. These methods can be supportive in facilitating the progress of labor. However, if the labor does not progress with these interventions, a cesarean section may become necessary to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.