Category: Maternity health

While oxytocin is a vital medication for inducing labor and preventing postpartum bleeding, its use is not without risks. A meta-analysis published in 2022 identified 27 types of oxytocin side effects, but the most common side effect of oxytocin, especially when administered intravenously to induce or augment labor, is uterine hyperstimulation. This excessive and powerful uterine contraction can be hazardous to both mother and baby.

Synthetic oxytocin is a widely used medication in obstetrics for inducing or augmenting labor, with millions of women receiving it annually. However, a key concern when it is administered is understanding **what is the primary side effect of oxytocin**.