Final answer:
Oxytocin (Pitocin) is stopped when non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns occur during labor to reduce the intensity and frequency of uterine contractions and allow time for fetal oxygenation and assessment for alternative delivery methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oxytocin, also known as Pitocin when given as medication, is a critical hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during labor. When a pregnancy is not naturally progressing to labor, Pitocin might be administered by intravenous drip to induce the labor process.
Normally, oxytocin is released in a positive feedback loop: as the baby descends and pushes against the cervix, the stretch-sensitive nerves there send signals for the pituitary gland to release more oxytocin, resulting in increasingly more forceful contractions of the uterus.
However, a major reason for stopping oxytocin administration is the occurrence of non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns during labor. Every contraction reduces the oxygenated blood flow to the fetus, which makes periods of relaxation crucial to restore fetal oxygenation.
Non-reassuring FHR patterns indicate that the fetus is not coping well with the contractions, potentially due to them being too long or too strong, which can impede the restoration of oxygen to the fetus.
To prevent fetal distress or potential complications, the administration of oxytocin is halted to reduce the intensity and frequency of contractions, allowing time for the fetus to recover and for healthcare providers to assess the need for alternative delivery methods like a Caesarian section.