The effect of intranasal oxytocin on the pregnant uterus

The effect of nasal oxytocin on the pregnant term uterus in 26 patients was studied by a continuous recording of amniotic fluid pressure. Eleven of these patients were given one application of nasal oxytocin, and later, an intravenous infusion of oxytocin to compare the responses. Fifteen patients received nasal oxytocin at 20 minute intervals. The spontaneous labors of an additional 15 patients were recorded as controls. The response to one application of nasal oxytocin was reproduced by an intravenous infusion of 1 to 2 milliunits of oxytocin per minute. The incidence of hypertonus in the patients receiving nasal oxytocin and in patients in spontaneous labor was the same. Both of these groups demonstrated less hypertonus than did patients receiving intravenous oxytocin. Nasal oxytocin can be used safely as a gentle stimulus to the uterus antepartum.