Abstract
Aim:
The aim of the study was to document the number of normal pregnant women, at term, who received oxytocin augmentation in labour at the hospital in Vestfold, Norway.
Material:
There were 1174 births in the period from June 1st. to December 31 1999. The hospital case notes from these births were examined and 920 births were included in the study. 254 cases were excluded.
Method:
Retrospective observational study. Case notes from the included births were used to reply the questionnaire.
Results:
48 % of the total study population received oxytocin augmentation in labour. Of those who were primigravidae 69 % receiving oxytocin, for multigravidae 34 %. Most of the oxytocin was given on a cervix dilatation at 8 – 10 cm. The most common way to administrate oxytocin was intravenous infusion (i.v) and intramuscular injection (i.m). For 76 % it was not documentatet that the doctor hade prescribt it. The results indicate a higher intstrumentel delivery rate and an increase of bleeding by those women who were augmentatet.
Conclusion:
The study uncovered non-systematic and varied administration routins of the oxytocin.