Oxytocin Administration in Low-Risk Women, a Retrospective Analysis of Birth and Neonatal Outcomes

Background: In recent years, higher than the recommended rate of oxytocin use has been observed among low-risk women. This study examines the relationship between oxytocin administration and birth outcomes in women and neonates. Methods: A retrospective analysis of birth and neonatal outcomes for women who received oxytocin versus those who did not. The sample included 322 women with a low-risk pregnancy. Results: Oxytocin administration was associated with cesarean section (aOR 4.81, 95% CI: 1.80-12.81), instrumental birth (aOR 3.34, 95% CI: 1.45-7.67), episiotomy (aOR 3.79, 95% CI: 2.20-6.52) and length of the second stage (aOR 00:18, 95% CI: 00:04-00:31). In neonatal outcomes, oxytocin in labor was associated with umbilical artery pH