How does Syntocinon (Oxytocin) work?
Syntocinon contains a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring hormone oxytocin. It works in the same way as the natural hormone. Oxytocin is normally released by the pituitary gland in the brain towards the end of pregnancy to stimulate the smooth muscle of the uterus (womb). The oxytocin causes the muscle of the uterus to contract during labour so that the baby can be pushed out. Synthetic oxytocin is used to induce labour for medical reasons, or if labour has not started naturally. The dose of the medicine is adjusted until the contractions produced are in a similar pattern to that of normal labour. Synthetic oxytocin can also be used to stimulate labour that has started naturally, but is considered too weak to push out the baby. In this case the medicine strengthens the contractions of the uterus. After the baby has been born, Syntocinon may be given to stimulate contractions that help push out the placenta and prevent heavy bleeding. Use • Starting (inducing) labour • Stimulat
