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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. Does the use of Pitocin make your contractions more painful and peak quicker than a natural occurring contraction?

A. Most women interpret the pain of Pitocin contractions as more intense than pain of natural contractions; however when measured the Pitocin contractions are not any more intense. A possible reason for this is that each woman's labor is a little different, she may have a strong contraction, then a lighter contraction, then a strong contraction etc....the lighter contractions giving her a bit of a break. Pitocin contractions are more uniform in intensity and timing, so they may peak sooner than her contractions normally would without Pitocin, and she might interpret them as coming very strong and fast. Remember, Pitocin is administered until a certain uniform contraction pattern is reached. Not all women will have that pattern when left to labor on their own.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.