Pit drip
Formal Definition
Informal term for the intravenous infusion of oxytocin (Pitocin) used to induce or augment labor; administered via controlled infusion pump with dose titrated in milliunits per minute based on uterine contraction frequency, duration, and fetal heart rate response.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Starting the pit" or "pit drip is running" — standard language on L&D (Labor and Delivery) for oxytocin augmentation.
Example
""Cervix is 4 cm and not progressing — it's been 4 hours at this station. OB wants to start the pit drip at 2 milliunits per minute and titrate every 30 minutes as tolerated.""
Clinical Context
Oxytocin (Pitocin) is the most commonly used labor induction agent. Titrated carefully to avoid tachysystole (>5 contractions in 10 minutes) and fetal distress. FHR monitoring is mandatory. Complications: uterine hyperstimulation, tachysystole with fetal intolerance, hyponatremia (antidiuretic effect at high doses), uterine rupture (especially in VBAC patients — use cautiously). Dose is in milliunits per minute (mU/min), not standard IV mg/hr dosing.
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