Study: No Link Between Inducing Labor And Risk Of Autism
By KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - One of the concerns during labor is when it does not progress rapidly enough, potentially harming the unborn baby.
In those situations where labor has to be induced or sped up, physicians will often give a medication called Oxytocin. Well there's a concern.
There have been several studies which have shown a link between Oxytocin and an increased risk of autism in the unborn child.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has looked at those studies and they filed a report. They say there is no link between autism and the use of Oxytocin.
In fact, they say that in situations where it's used for the proper reasons, it is worth any potential risk because they are trying to help the unborn baby by speeding up that delivery.
