What is labor augmentation?

If active labor has started on its own but contractions have slowed down or completely stopped, steps may need to be taken to help labor progress. This is called augmentation. It may be done when:

• Active labor has started, but your contractions are weak or irregular or have stopped entirely.
• You have gone into active labor, but the amniotic sac has not ruptured on its own. In this case, your doctor or nurse midwife may rupture the amniotic sac (amniotomy) to augment labor. If labor still does not progress, oxytocin (Pitocin) may be given to make the uterus contract.
• Active labor has started and the amniotic sac has ruptured on its own, but labor still is not progressing. Oxytocin (Pitocin) may be given to make the uterus contract.