Is pitocin automatically given after every vbac?

[mom2happy]

I have so many requests and refusals that I really should pick my battles with my doc. Im wondering if this is an option at the hospital.
I had it after my c sections and they said it was to prevent bleeding.
If this birth goes smoothly and nursing is begun right away I dont see why I'll need it.

[kitkat5505]

I didn't have pitocin after my vbac.

[shruley]

Pitocin is usually only given after vaginal births if there is more bleeding that normal. Even my small town hospital doesn't give pitocin routinely. I didn't have any with my VBAC.

[AlexisT]

Many docs (and more than a few hospital midwives) give pit for every birth. It's part of what's called "active management of 3rd stage", which has been shown to reduce PPH. I believe there was a Cochrane review saying this, but it's been withdrawn because it's out of date; they're currently doing a new one. The NICE guidance in the UK recommends active management.

[kltroy]

Yes, routine pit for 3rd stage is... routine. The advantage is that it decreases overall blood loss and risk of PPH. Other advantage is that if you have an IV/saline lock, they can give it through that, so no needle stick needed. You can always opt out (I did) but be aware of the caveat: IF you hemmorhage, you will need pit ASAP and they will give you an injection in your thigh. So regardless of whether you have it administered, they will probably have a dose drawn up and waiting, just in case.

FWIW, I opted out, but I also lost a fair bit of blood - couldn't stand up long enough to take a shower until around 12 hours after the birth b/c I was dizzy. I have no idea if pit would have helped with that. I have no idea what I "got out of the experience" of not having pit. I don't care either way how it goes if I have another baby, based on my previous experience.

[Fay]

No, I didn't have pitocin for 3rd stage. I've never even heard of it until now!

[TabithaB]

My midwife said she carries it for pp bleeding

I don't know that much about it, but she said that she is inclined to try herbal rememdies for post partum bleeding and breastfeeding first, but she carries pitocin to use if needed.

[mrsfru]

I had it after my c sections and they said it was to prevent bleeding.

To my knowledge, everyone on the planet who lives somewhere where pit is available gets it after a c-section. Since the placenta is manually removed and the uterus has been cut into, it may not contract properly to slow/stop bleeding quickly enough (esp where the placenta was attached at). This was my doc's explanation when I asked. So docs aren't likely to not give it after a c-section, but after a healthy vaginal delivery, it wouldn't be necessary unless there's a problem.

GL!

mrsfru

[AustinMom]

I agree, after a CS, yes, I'd have it, and did, as the uterus doesn't push the baby out, and is sometimes not even contracting (due to ERC) so Pit is needed.

After a vaginal Birth, no, it's not Routinely needed. If I have bleeding, I'd for sure get it, our MW carries it with her as do almost all MWs. If I don't, I won't get it.

If you are birthing in the hospital, make sure to put this in your birth plan if you only want it on a need be basis. otherwise, you will probably get it without them asking or telling you.

[hannybanany]

It's routine here, but you are able to opt out of it. Usually they give it through the IV at the hospital where I delivered.

[ShwarmaQueen]

I'm not sure if it's a VBAC thing, I think it's more standard these days after any vag delivery in hospitals.

I was given it after my HBAC for retained placenta/hemmorhage after herbal remedy wasn't working.

[Mom2M]

I didn't get it after my VBAC

[mediumcrunch]

I've had pit after every birth. We tried to wait and see after a couple and I started hemorrhaging so we gave it. Now I just get it automatically and they have hemabate and methergine drawn up just in case. We've never needed the extra drugs but I usually stay on pit for a good 6-8 hours after birth.

PS> I've had it in my thigh but usually IV. I prefer IV.

[azdaisy]

Our MW said they do not routinely give it. However, they have it on hand in case there is excess bleeding. (We will have a hospital birth with a MW.)

[sienna]

Originally Posted by mom2happy

I have so many requests and refusals that I really should pick my battles with my doc.

Sing it sister.

Sienna

[CherryBomb]

It's routine after any vaginal birth in many hospitals, though not all. I had it after my vba2c, honestly I don't know if it was routine or because I was bleeding more than normal, I didn't care enough to ask. Excessive blood loss is not fun, let me tell you, so having it routinely doesn't bother me, personally.