What is the primary effect of oxytocin or methergine after delivery?

What is the primary effect of oxytocin or methergine after delivery?

• A. Stimulate fetal heart rate
• B. Contract the uterus
• C. Relieve pain
• D. Facilitate breastfeeding

Answer: (B)

Oxytocin and methylergometrine (methergine) are both medications used in the postpartum period, primarily to stimulate uterine contractions. After delivery, one of the key concerns is to prevent or treat uterine atony, which can lead to significant postpartum hemorrhage. The primary effect of oxytocin is to enhance the contraction of the uterine muscle, thereby helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reducing the risk of excessive bleeding. This stimulation of uterine contractions is essential for ensuring a smooth recovery for the mother after childbirth. While methergine also works as an effective uterotonic agent by promoting uterine contractions, oxytocin is commonly administered immediately after delivery to facilitate this process. Thus, the primary impact of these medications following delivery is their ability to contract the uterus, providing crucial support in the management of postpartum care. Other choices addressed in the question have different primary effects. For instance, stimulating fetal heart rate is not relevant in this context, as the concern shifts to maternal care following delivery. Relieving pain, while an important aspect of postpartum care, is not the central action of these medications. Additionally, facilitating breastfeeding, although a significant aspect of maternal-infant bonding, is

Oxytocin and methylergometrine (methergine) are both medications used in the postpartum period, primarily to stimulate uterine contractions. After delivery, one of the key concerns is to prevent or treat uterine atony, which can lead to significant postpartum hemorrhage. The primary effect of oxytocin is to enhance the contraction of the uterine muscle, thereby helping the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and reducing the risk of excessive bleeding. This stimulation of uterine contractions is essential for ensuring a smooth recovery for the mother after childbirth.

While methergine also works as an effective uterotonic agent by promoting uterine contractions, oxytocin is commonly administered immediately after delivery to facilitate this process. Thus, the primary impact of these medications following delivery is their ability to contract the uterus, providing crucial support in the management of postpartum care.

Other choices addressed in the question have different primary effects. For instance, stimulating fetal heart rate is not relevant in this context, as the concern shifts to maternal care following delivery. Relieving pain, while an important aspect of postpartum care, is not the central action of these medications. Additionally, facilitating breastfeeding, although a significant aspect of maternal-infant bonding, is