What should be monitored continuously when administering Oxytocin?

When administering Oxytocin, continuous monitoring of uterine contractions and fetal heart rate is crucial for several reasons. Oxytocin is a synthetic hormone used to induce or augment labor by stimulating uterine contractions. Monitoring uterine contractions helps assess the effectiveness of the medication, ensuring that contractions are neither too frequent nor too strong, which could lead to uterine hyperstimulation or fetal distress.

Simultaneously, continuous fetal heart rate monitoring is essential to evaluate the baby's well-being during labor. It helps identify any signs of fetal distress that may arise due to compromised blood flow or oxygen delivery, which can occur with intense contractions. By assessing both uterine activity and fetal heart rate, healthcare providers can make timely decisions about interventions to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus during labor. This dual monitoring is fundamental in managing labor and delivery effectively, particularly when medications like Oxytocin are in use.