What medication is commonly used for the induction of labor?

Oxytocin is commonly used for the induction of labor due to its role in stimulating uterine contractions. It is a natural hormone that promotes the strengthening and frequency of uterine contractions, facilitating the process of labor progression. Administering oxytocin can help initiate labor when there are medical indications, such as post-term pregnancy or specific maternal or fetal complications that require the delivery to occur sooner.

While magnesium sulfate is primarily used for conditions like preeclampsia and is effective in preventing seizures, it does not induce labor. Epidural anesthesia is a pain management technique used during labor but does not have a role in inducing labor itself. Prostaglandins can also be employed in the induction of labor by softening the cervix and may be used alongside or prior to oxytocin use, but oxytocin remains the primary drug associated with actively inducing labor through the enhancement of contractions.