Will cytotec actually start labor and contractions?
It can in many cases start labor. It’s being used a lot less because it is not very predictable, and there are too many cases where the uterus becomes hyperstimulated, meaning the contractions come on too strongly and too frequently and there is not enough relaxation of the muscle between the contractions to allow good perfusion and oxygenation of the placenta. In short, this leads to fetal distress during labor. Since cytotec is metabolized rather slowly, it is harder to correct if hyperstimulation becomes an issue. Pitocin, on the other hand, has a very short half-life and is metabolized within less than 2 minutes, so a pump can easily but shut off should something like hyperstim take place. There are better meds for ripening (gel, cervidil) and induction, I would talk more with your doctor if they are planning on using this method, and ask why. Good luck!
