Are Pitocin Contractions More Painful?

Are pitocin contractions more painful? Is labor with pitocin more difficult than natural labor? Are Pitocin contractions worse? These are all questions that we want to know because many people talk about pitocin contractions being a lot worse then oxytocin contractions.
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[@Sealegs9]

I was induced with Pitocin and gave birth without an epidural. Didn’t feel the contractions until I was dilated to a 5 and they broke my water. Then it was two minutes apart really painful. Broke my water at 3:15, started pushing at 5:15, baby born at 5:36. Beautifully healthy labor and delivery was my experience. Painful? Fuck yes

[@stephaniem8278]

Thank you for explaining the difference, and for not condemning pitocin use. Absolutely, it's a tool that is there when and if we need it. I plan to labor naturally, so knowing which "hiking route" I'm in for is incredibly helpful.

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes! Absolutely a tool. Sometimes you need or want a tool!

[@kshoe5004]

Love it! Great analogy!

[@birthtoolbox]

Thank you!!

[@cocobaby844]

After finding out that pitocin increases your chances of PPD, it’s a no for me.

[@birthtoolbox]

The research simply found that women who received Pitocin had an increased risk of PPD and PPA. This is a correlation on a cause. It is a compelling reason to want to avoid it!

[@ABC-rg4li]

And unfortunately they give it after birth automatically to claim its to prevent hemmoraging even when it's not happening! They did it to me. I am so angry. 6 years ago and still angry

[@dillydanny-o8807]

I tried to avoid it with my first but since my water broke, and contractions weren’t real strong they kind of basically said I had to use it. They didn’t force me but essentially it’s sort of the same result, since the clock is ticking on infections and they were really keen on that. Definitely made me change my plans to include an epidural though lol. Originally I wanted to try without.

[@birthtoolbox]

That is such a tough spot with no choice! You can only work with the options that you have got.❤️

[@LaurenSheehan]

I havr always questjoned whether or not pitcocin contractions are more painful. Ive had two unmedicated home births ans my natural labor is hard and fast and painful. With little breaka between contractjons etc. so Ive always just wondered if people have things to compare it to really...

[@birthtoolbox]

I hope the video helped share some insight.

[@debaterforhim]

Idk if it is more painful because I got local numbing at the same time I got pitocin. I was on my third day of inducement of labor and my BP was skrocketting high so the doctor told them I couldn't keep going without medication. However, I am allergic to fentanyl (the other medication in an epidural), so I got the local numbing medicine only. It was great. I slept a few hours then woke up for a few minutes to find out that I was ready to push. Four pushes and my son was born. Once he was out I immediately felt a million times better. Went to the other room as soon as they had finished their check up of my son. By morning all my swelling was gone... pitocin helped us get our little rascal out so I am thankful for it. 😊 I remember the burse being really surprised that I could move my legs and still feel contractions (somewhat) with the epidural. But it was just the numbing medication so I think that is why. I wasn't out of it like so many people describe but it really helped dull the pain and get me through labor. 😊👍

[@birthtoolbox]

Thank you for sharing your story Rebecca!

[@euphonythesyren]

Why does the CDC recommend against using pitocin for labor induction if that’s what it’s there for? I’ve heard it can increase the risk of uterine rupture, hemorrhage and C-section because it causes the uterus to squeeze more aggressively than normal, reducing oxygen levels to your baby.

[@euphonythesyren]

My birth experience was terrible with pitocin. I’m having this one without it. Kinda excited to see the difference.

[@elzannenel4400]

I live in South Africa and I love your analogy of Table Mountain, it's so spot on!👌🏻 I attended an induced birth a week ago, and comparing it to an intense mountain climb is exactly how it seemed to me. Everything was calm and quiet, mama walking and swaying calmly through each contraction, until we hit that rockface, and I found myself hip-squeezing and lower-back-massaging my little arms off for an intense hour. And then just as suddenly mama was pushing for exactly 8 minutes and we met little Harper 😍 It was exhausting and mind-blowing, and I do look forward to rather assisting in a leisurely, slow and gentle birth next time, to be quite honest... 😅 I believe Pitocin/Syntocin has its place, but mamas need to be educated about the pros and cons.

[@birthtoolbox]

Elzanne, I am so glad to hear from someone living in South Africa!! I love hiking and searched for awhile to find a good example for this analogy. It looks beautiful and I would love to visit. I think I will choose the gradual hike up. 😄Please share the video with others in your area that might find it useful.

[@elzannenel4400]

@@birthtoolbox I agree on taking that gradual hike! 🤭 You will certainly love SA. It's a magical place, especially the many natural and untamed parts. I'm definitely sharing this with a couple of colleagues and saving it to share with future clients as well. 👌🏻

[@zosijana123]

I think there is so much variation between people, that there really is no way of knowing of how it feel like for You, and that specific time.. I had spontaneous labour with contractions that started straight away as intense and 2 to 3 minutes apart, I even thought this cannot be labour, because I learned that it comes on gradually with contractions coming closer and closer together... once I got to the hospital 20 mins later, I was screaming my head off for an epidural, even though I was planning to go without.. the at some point the labour slowed down, so they gave me pitocin at the hospital, I was starting to feel the contractions again through the epidural, I don't know of its because it has worn off, or the pain was stronger, but basically before the new dose of epidural kicked in, they felt pretty much the same as the initial "natural" contractions. In any case the good thing with contraction pain, is that once it's gone, it's completely gone, nothing lingers, it is only something to endure for a very limited amount of time, so pitocin or not, just don't worry about it, it all comes to an end :)

[@birthtoolbox]

thank you for sharing your story

[@eminemilyd6916]

I went in to get induced a week after my due date. I went in and first they broke my water, then about an hour later they started pitocin. Not too long after that contractions started and got SUPER intense, painful, and close together. About 2 minutes apart and it was too much of a "climb" too quickly for me. My body was not prepared. I asked for an epidural pretty soon after that and still had to wait almost 4 hours for him to show up. Once he came and it kicked in, i was able to rest. The epidural was a lifesaver in my case. While i understand the benefits of having pitocin as an option, im going to try to avoid it this time around if i can!

[@birthtoolbox]

I hope you can avoid it!

[@tracingtheoldworld365]

What about a dose? What if they start with small dose of pitocin and then increase it slowly just mimiking the natural labor?

[@birthtoolbox]

It can be close to natural labor if your body reacts that way. It is very different from everyone. Some people have contractions close together even with the smallest dose of pitocin.

[@Olivia-nd6mu]

I was induced with pitocin. I had a sunny side up baby and horrible back labor and strong contractions. He got stuck in the north canal and the dr had to use the vacuum. I tore really bad and the stitches were rough.

[@Olivia-nd6mu]

Birth not north lol

[@birthtoolbox]

That sounds like a really challenging experience!

[@mayrabutler8704]

I gave birth to my first born with no medication. No pitocin and no epidural. It was painful but very doable. I remember my contractions got stronger and I was told not to push. At that time, my body was naturally pushing so I was scared and screamed because I couldn’t stop it. I really wasn’t screaming because of pain. With my second child, I was induced. I couldn’t even breathe through contractions! They were VERY painful and I could feel myself turning pale. I asked for an epidural because it was TOO MUCH. As soon as the epidural started kicking in, my heart rate and baby started doing bad. I was put on oxygen. Almost went to a c section. Now that I am expecting to deliver my third baby in the next few weeks, I’m going all natural again.

[@birthtoolbox]

I'm so sorry that you were told not to push. That is impossible! I have lived through that myself and there is absolutely no way to stop pushing. Wishing you all the best for birth #3!

[@amyellison1595]

When I was first introduced to pitocin ith my first child. I was dilated to 7 water had broken, still very light contractions, they hit me with the pit and I went to straight to hard, long, fast contractions. 2 contractions in, I said I want an epidural. The nurse (I sware she was sadistic) said sorry, you're too close to birth. With my second child labor was progressing normally, I was dilated to 6 when I got to the hospital. The nurse said pitocin, I said no, she said it was an order from the Dr. It was how he did things. I said epidural. She said I had to wait 1 hour because that's how long it took to get a bag of saline. She started the pit immediately (before the epidural) I didn't see any change in my contractions at all. 2 totally different experiences with pitocin. Later someone described to me just what you said in the video only not so visual. 😊

[@birthtoolbox]

It is interesting how different experiences can be!

[@rosexo5778]

Thats terrible. ‘Thats how the dr does it’ you dont have a say? You most certainly do. U were bullied.

[@rofl468]

I didn't even notice my pitocin contractions! I got to level 18 before they stopped the pitocin because it wasn't working. Crazy how it can affect everyone differently.

[@birthtoolbox]

Did you ever feel them or did they change the plan?

[@rofl468]

@@birthtoolbox Never really felt them. They moved to balloons instead.

[@birthtoolbox]

I was wondering if that might have been the next step.

[@debaterforhim]

@@rofl468 oh God. I had the double Foley bulb... I pushed it out in 45 minutes. Most painful 45 minutes of my labor... honestly.

[@brownsblu]

Did you have an epidural at the time you received the pitocin?

[@nellyonamolah9731]

I was induced 🤒 the painnnnnnnn🤕 my contractions were about seconds apart but I wasn’t dilating 🤷‍♀️ I was 1 cm for 12hrs , my baby wasn’t ready at all ☝️

[@birthtoolbox]

I’m so sorry!! That sounds rough.

[@nellyonamolah9731]

@@birthtoolbox thank you ❤️ It was very rough , all contractions and nothing 12hrs , then C-section

[@birthtoolbox]

@@nellyonamolah9731 I hate that you had to experience such a difficult birth

[@BrittanyDube-tz5zg]

I did not get pitocin with my only birth and ended up with a c section so i honestly dont know but the c section was the BEST part of my labor! I hated laboring and am so glad i didnt have to push or go through delivery. The nurses wound up causing my daughters death a month after she ws born but thats another story.

[@birthtoolbox]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[@shelby.sweetheart]

Wow. Did not expect to read that ending …. The same nurses from your delivery ?? Or did something else happen? I am SO sorry Brittany 😢 Atleast now you have a little angel with you every second of everyday! Sending you the most love and healing energy ever ✨

[@BrittanyDube-tz5zg]

@@shelby.sweetheart Thank you, and yup the maternity nurses contributed along with the public health nurse... its a long story... but yes i still feel her with me every day... hoping for our rainbow soon :) hope you are well and ty again for your kind words

[@robertrogers074]

Hope your safe around the water.

[@birthtoolbox]

Yes! I’m sitting on a dock. Thank you!

[@melissalombardi9695]

I am in the jury that says pitocin is evil from a personal standpoint. My 1st labor was normal but surprisingly short,3 hours. With 2nd pregnancy labor slowly started on own 5 days post d.d. This warranted a decision to augment w pit. This took me straight up the cliff w 0 support! The end result an hour 1/2 later yes was baby but I don't believe would have been the same. I don't believe there would have been a forcep delivery(which I believe led to a whole other set of problems) and a detained placenta leading to more interventions.

[@birthtoolbox]

It sounds like the decision to use PItocin was evil?

[@tanyalancasterbeisert8244]

For me Pitocin would be the very last resort, would much rather start with the other induction options

[@birthtoolbox]

It's good to know your options and your preferences.

[@nyehlairsheid8516]

Fantastic analogy! I also wonder if birthing people express feeling more pain/discomfort after receiving Pitocin because it doesn’t illicit the same feelings as oxytocin would. As we know, Oxytocin causes warm and cozy feelings to help cope with labor whereas Pitocin’s only purpose is to cause uterine contractions (without all the warm fuzzy feelings). I’m not against medically necessary inductions or augmentations but I always wondered this for myself. Just a thought. Great content!

[@birthtoolbox]

Great thought Nyehla!

[@erin.v.m657]

Birthing people ? You mean biological women. Men can not change their gender, or give birth.

[@harringt100]

I think chemically they are not different, but I've read that for some reason pitocin does not cross the blood-brain barrier, whereas oxytocin released by the body affects the whole body and brain. The warm, fuzzy feelings come by way of its brain effects. I am not sure of my source on that, however.

[@rosexo5778]

Hard pass on Pitocin

[@birthtoolbox]

I don't blame you!