Yes you can absolutely say no to Pitocin and refuse Pitocin as it's your right to accept or decline medical interventions during childbirth.
Although saying no to Pitocin or declining Pitocin also requires clear communication with your doctor as well as understanding the specific reasons for declining the Pitocin.
Pitocin helps in inducing contractions and or strengthen contractions during labor, but Pitocin also brings on risks like more intense pain or even overstimulation, so weighing the benefits against the risks with your doctor is also crucial for an informed decision on whether or not you want to use Pitocin during labor.
The baby often comes within 6 to 8 hours after pitocin.
If your cervix is already dilated, then the labor may progress more quickly after you start pitocin or if you've had previous vaginal births you may also experience labor more rapidly after starting pitocin.
The amount of pitocin also administered will also affect the frequency and intensity of the contractions.
It can take around 40 minutes after you start pitocin before you begin to see evidence of contractions.
Pitocin can be safe for many women although it does come with some risk as Pitocin can disrupt the natural hormonal balance of labor, which can lead to more intense and even possibly problematic contractions.
It could potentially cause harm to both you as the mother and your baby.
Pitocin is commonly used to induce or augment labor, but it does come with some risks and side effects.
Pitocin bypasses your body's natural regulation of oxytocin, which can result in contractions which can be too strong or too frequent or even too long, which can compromise the baby's supply of oxygen.
And pitocin can also increase the likelihood of other interventions such as instrumental deliveries "vacuum or forceps" or even epidurals and cesarean sections.
And overstimulation of your uterus with Pitocin can also cause fetal heart rate de-accelerations and distress and require immediate intervention, such as stopping the Pitocin or performing of a cesarean section.
The reason why Pitocin contractions hurt more is because the contractions are being artificially induced and so your body does not respond in the same way as it would with normal contractions.
Pitocin is a synthetic form of the hormone called oxytocin and is used for inducing or even augmenting labor contractions and it can make the contractions feel worse.
You can dilate faster after Pitocin by keeping hydrated, drinking enough water, maintaining an upright and also mobile position and use some warm compresses or counter pressure.
Also using relaxation techniques such as focused breathing, can also help you manage pain and promote a smoother labor.
Staying active and changing your positions during labor can also help your baby descend and encourage dilation.
The gravity can assist with the fetal positioning and movement can also stimulate contractions.
Even walking, swaying or using a birthing ball can also help you dilate faster.
Applying of a warm compresses or use of counter pressure on your lower back can also help you manage pain and relax the muscles around your cervix which can also help make dilation easier.
Dilation is just one of the factors in determining if you need to be admitted for labor and delivery.
Doctors also consider the strength of the contractions as well as the frequency of your contractions as well as the status of the water breaking and your overall well being and your baby's overall well being when deciding whether or not to admit you for labor and delivery.