Oxytocin challenge test is performed in the final stage of pregnancy when the mother is about to have the delivery. With the approaching labour, it becomes necessary to determine whether the baby's heartbeats remain normal or it is under stress during contractions. The Oxytocin is a hormone released in the body of the mother during this time which is responsible for labor.
Description and procedure of the test:
in the final stage of pregnancy when the delivery is close, the contraction test is done on the mother for specific reasons of tolerance. What happens during a contraction is the flow of oxygen to the placenta suffers a setback. Blood is also insufficiently supplied to the placenta which slows down the heartbeats of the baby. is reduced. A healthy placenta ensures ample supply of blood and oxygen required during contractions and then there is nothing to worry. In a ten minute period three contractions occur and that is the end of the test period. Synthetic oxytocin is sometimes injected when the contractions do not happen on own.
Result and risk factors:
Positive result implies that the baby might be under some strain which calls for immediate attention of the doctor. A cesarean section can then be performed in such cases when the baby is unable to tolerate contractions. Another process is by stimulating labor when the cervix is enlarged enough. Natural labor is permitted when the baby remains fine and does not give in to the contractions. It is important that the test is performed under skilled personnel since there is a possibility of the uterus being hyperstimulated cutting off the blood supply. The test might as well lead to premature labor due to prolonged nipple stimulation or very fast administration of Pitocin. This test is not suitable to women who have Placenta previa or any chances of preterm labor.
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It is really important to look through the pros and cons before taking up the Oxytocin challenge test. Though it is important in certain respect, it also has severe consequences if not done properly. At this final stage of pregnancy we all want things to turn out well and so the mothers need to take care and precaution till the last league. Contacting your medical practitioner on any aberrant behavior should be done. This pregnancy contraction test is not done widely nowadays due to it's expensive nature and also for being riskier than other such tests. www.pregnancyxl.com will give you more related information on the Oxytocin challenge test.
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