Which medication is commonly used to induce labor?

Oxytocin is commonly used to induce labor due to its role as a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates uterine contractions. In a medical setting, synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) is administered intravenously to initiate or strengthen contractions during labor. This medication effectively facilitates the process of labor by enhancing uterine activity, which can help with the progression of labor when it is deemed necessary, such as in cases of prolonged pregnancy or when the health of the mother or fetus is at risk.

While misoprostol and Prostaglandin E2 can also be used for labor induction, they primarily work by softening the cervix and helping to initiate contractions. Methergine is used primarily for postpartum hemorrhage management and is not indicated for labor induction. Understanding the role of these medications helps clarify their use in obstetric care and reinforces the importance of selecting the appropriate medication based on the clinical situation.