Oxytocin vs. Pitocin

Oxytocin: The Love Hormone

During labour, oxytocin is released into both the blood and brain, with high oxytocin levels in the brain fluid. It causes your uterus to contract. Oxytocin also has many positive effects in the mother's brain during labour, including the pain relieving help of stimulating endorphins, and the strong feeling of love that prepares her for motherhood. Oxytocin is released in both the mother and baby during labor and breastfeeding.

Pitocin: The Synthetic Form of Oxytocin

Pitocin is the synthetic version of oxytocin and is commonly used to induce or speed up labor. Pitocin enters the blood stream only, and not the brain fluid. This is assumed to be one of the reasons that moms who labor with Pitocin describe contractions as more painful. Pitocin causes the uterus to contract more strongly and closer together. Like any medical intervention, it has risks and benefits associated. Pitocin is generally advised to only be used if necessary, so that you don't miss out on the full benefits of oxytocin.