Evolving concepts of oxytocin for induction of labor.

Based on findings of maternal and fetal circulating oxytocin levels during spontaneous labor and the available information on oxytocin secretion patterns, the dosage and mode of administration of oxytocin for induction of labor is discussed. It is recommended that intravenous infusion rates should not exceed 2 to 8 mU/min. Oxytocin administered in a pulsatile fashion beginning with 1 mU/min every 8 minutes with doubling the pulse dose every 24 minutes is equally as efficient as continuous infusion. Because both the peak levels and the total dose of oxytocin needed for induction are lower with pulsatile than continuous administration, the risk of adverse effects for the mother and the fetus is significantly reduced.