Augmentation of Labor: A Review of Oxytocin Augmentation and Active Management of Labor

: Labor augmentation can be used to hasten labor, shorten the time to delivery, and perhaps reduce the risk of cesarean delivery. Particularly in women with longer labors or less frequent contractions, oxytocin augmentation seems to have positive impacts on these outcomes. Despite this, the evidence for augmentation alone on the risk of cesarean delivery is unclear, with varying evidence. More recently, oxytocin protocols have been recommended to standardize care and ensure patient safety.