Contraction Stress Test

Oxytocin Challenge Test

Risks

Electronic fetal heart monitoring may show your baby is having problems when your baby is actually healthy. Fetal heart monitoring cannot tell every type of problem, such as a birth defect.

The risks from having oxytocin include:

• Starting labour earlier than your expected delivery date.
• Causing prolonged contractions that may cause problems with your baby. The contractions usually stop when the oxytocin is stopped. You may be given a medicine to stop the contractions. If in the very rare case that your contractions do not stop, your doctor may recommend a caesarean delivery.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Carrie Henley Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 15, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.