John Gormley
Ceist:279 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the substances used in our hospitals to induce birth; and if his attention has been drawn to any long-term side effects for the child. [18437/00]
Written Answers. - Maternity Services.
The main substances used for the induction of labour in maternity hospitals in Ireland are oxytocin and prostaglandins. Dinoprostone is also used. Ergometrine is used during labour, primarily to stimulate uterine contraction, after delivery and to prevent post-partum bleeding. Misoprostol may also be used to induce labour and to prevent post-partum bleeding but is not used routinely.
Infant jaundice, as a result of oxytocin administration, although uncommon, has been documented in the medical literature. Cases of neonatal liver damage have been reported to result from rapid, high doses of oxytocin, administered during labour. Careful monitoring of the mother and the foetus is routinely carried out when these medications are being administered during labour.
The Irish Medicines Board has received no reports of suspected adverse drug reactions associated with the use of these substances.