Is Cytotec still used for induction?

[lisalu100]

I am not a birth professional, but soon-to-be new mum. I was having a discussion with a nurse-friend of mine today about Cytotec. I saw a show on tv the other day, where it was used as a cervical ripener/ induction drug. After all I had read about it, I was suprised it is still used, now I am thinking it might have been a really old show, since my friend is pretty sure it is no longer used. So, do any of you know if it is still used? If it is, can anyone provide a balanced argument about why, since it seems to have serious complications. TIA!

[ani'smommy]

it was four years ago. Ask me how I know.

[lisalu100]

I'm gonna guess that you experienced the not-so-lovely contractions of it?

[ani'smommy]

Originally Posted by lisalu100

I'm gonna guess that you experienced the not-so-lovely contractions of it?

Yep. My doctor said it wasn't "a big deal." Thankfully nothing horrible happened and my baby was born safe and sound.

[Belle]

Yes, it is still used. I've been present at a birth as a doula where it was presented by the L&D nurse as an option for induction. Fortunately I had discussed Cytotec in advance with my client and she declined it. The nurse made out like it wasn't that big a deal and they used it all the time.

[memiles]

It's been offered and strongly recommended to every single client I've ever had facing an induction at my local hospital. All but one have read the information I've sent them on the drug and declined.

[BrooklynDoula]

I was at a birth this weekend where the mother decieded to accept a cytotec induction. It is absolutely still in use (but in much smaller doeses than initially).

[changingseasons]

Yes, my midwife tried to use it on me and I declined, much to her annoyance.

[completebeginnings]

Used all the time for full term birth and to carry out miscarriages as well. Shocking really!

[Storm Bride]

Originally Posted by lisalu100

If it is, can anyone provide a balanced argument about why, since it seems to have serious complications. TIA!

It's really, really cheap.

[Manessa]

Originally Posted by completebeginnings

Used all the time for full term birth and to carry out miscarriages as well. Shocking really!

I used it when I miscarried in December. I did so with a lot of thought and education. Everything went really well, and I'm glad it was an option for me. That being said, it's not something that should be used lightly.

[DreamsInDigital]

My OB uses it vaginally for cervical ripening and rectally for PPH, but not alone as a means of inducing labor.

[Arwyn]

Moving this to main Birth and Beyond, per the new Birth Professionals guidelines.

[confustication]

It was certaintly used last July when I had my son. Having had two previous vaginal deliveries (both did have to be augmented with pitocin as I was not contracting effectively (the second was at 45 weeks, so we're not talking about just not waiting long enough here- apparently the pitocin boost is a good thing for me..) I was induced following a very complicated pregnancy- I was so ill by that point that I really did not advocate well for myself, and I went along with the ob.

Cytotech!

Yeah. I had not needed analgesia of any sort previously (yes, pitocin ctx are uncomfortable, but tolerable) I did have to have an epidural (it was that or I would have become psychotic, the pain was completely overwhelming/unbearable.) I also stalled at 8 cm for umm- 11 hours.... The baby was having frequent cardiac decels and generally it was a miserable experience all around.

After the birth, I was unable to function, and in horrific pain for another 12 hours. I didn't even care about breastfeeding or bonding, I just plain couldn't function. Considering that I'd literally skipped down the hall after my daughter's birth- this was not something I'd forseen. Luckily, my husband was there to step in, and remind me to nurse the baby as well as to hold him and love him.

I still have horrible nightmares about ds's delivery, and as I am currently pregnant, I'm desperately fearful of another experience that's remotely horrific.

I don't have enough space/distance/time from the birth yet to begin healing, and I know that my bond with was much harder to form than it was when I was able to establish an early relationship/nurse normally etc with my daughter.

[SalmonBayDoula]

Originally Posted by DreamsInDigital

My OB uses it vaginally for cervical ripening and rectally for PPH, but not alone as a means of inducing labor.

Can you provide me a bit more information, DiD? I tend to put cervical ripening as an induction method, especially one requiring a medication to do so? I have had clients who have been induced with misoprostal (Cytotec) either vaginally or orally, and it was always a documented induction.

How does your HCP see it?

Sharon

[firewoman]

Still in use out here in California!

[Equuskia]

It's used here in Puerto Rico, much to my dismay.

[Rikki]

Still in use here. My OB saw that in my birth plan I said "absolutely no Cytotec" and she questioned it. Seven years ago I had it orally to induce my 4th baby... Within 45 minutes she was born, and I was at 0cm/-2 station when I went in for the induction (I'm a T1 diabetic and she was 3 days overdue, which means automatic induction).

My OB listened to the story and told me that couldn't be. So I ordered the records and brought them with me yesterday. She was in shock. I'd only gotten a half a 25mg pill.

I also had nursing issues. My baby lost her suck reflex due to the violent birth. It took almost two months to finally get her to latch and nurse. I pumped the entire first two months. That was also hard on bonding (of course, she was born on 9/10/01, so that may have been the bonding problem or at least not help it).

[Debstmomy]

Yes it is used, often!!!

[courtenay_e]

Off of the top of my head there is only one hospital in our area who doesn't routinely use it to begin an induction for an "unripe" mother. I talked to an OB whose practice I used to send clients to about it, and she was adament that she does use it, will always use it. She said, "It's cheap, it's fast, and it is efficient, it takes a hard, high, posterior cervix and turns into a cervix that is low and buttery in no time. We haven't had a problem with it yet. I will NOT consider using cervidil instead."