What is a common first-line pharmacologic method to augment labor when contractions are inadequate?

• A. Prostaglandin E2
• B. Oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion
• C. Terbutaline
• D. Misoprostol

Answer: (B)

When contractions are inadequate, the goal is to stimulate the uterus to progress labor. The most common first-line pharmacologic method is an oxytocin infusion. Oxytocin acts on the uterine muscles to increase contraction frequency and strength, helping cervical dilation and fetal descent progress in a controlled, titratable way. The dose is started low and carefully increased until contractions are adequate but not excessive. Continuous fetal monitoring and assessment of maternal well-being guide adjustments; if contractions become too frequent or the fetus shows distress, the infusion is reduced or paused.

Other options are used for different purposes: prostaglandin E2 or misoprostol are typically for cervical ripening or induction, not augmentation of an ongoing labor. Terbutaline is a tocolytic used to suppress contractions in certain circumstances, not to augment them.