Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, which a mother’s body produces to start labor and cause contractions.

A study … found a strong link between high amounts of the drug during labor and severe postpartum hemorrhage for the mother, which can be a terrifying and dangerous complication.

… “… women who had prolonged infusions of pitocin [were] actually at increased risk of bleeding after delivery,” …

… when women receive a lot of pitocin during labor, they can become desensitized, causing it to fail to work when it counts most, immediately after a baby is born.

The drug is supposed to help clamp down the uterus and stop the bleeding.

“We do feel it is a strong finding,” …

Severe hemorrhage happens to just 1 percent of mothers, but it is the No. 1 cause of maternal death in childbirth worldwide.

Pitocin is given to 60 to 70 percent of laboring mothers …

“Anytime they can use less oxytocin, it’s beneficial,” …

… while pitocin is necessary at times, there are ways mothers-to-be can reduce their chances of needing the drug during labor.

# Avoid elective inductions when there is no medical reason
# Labor at home until the labor pattern is well-established
# Move around and stay upright during labor
# Hold off on epidural until dilated to at least 4 centimeters
# Consider a certified nurse midwife instead of an obstetrician if the pregnancy has no complications.