Shortage of injectable oxytocin

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable oxytocin. After the birth canal has enlarged to allow passage of an infant, oxytocin can be used to induce labor or, if labor has started but is progressing slowly, oxytocin can be used to strengthen the muscle contractions of the uterus. Other uses are to stimulate contractions after an incomplete abortion or miscarriage and to control bleeding from the uterus after the child and placenta have been expelled. The use of oxytocin to control bleeding after birth has saved the life of many a mother.

Oxytocin is a naturally-produced hormone stored in the pituitary gland. There is a well-known correlation between oxytocin levels and the amount of attention a mother gives her baby. The emotions which motivate one human to approach another are facilitated by oxytocin. The popular press has made much of oxytocin as a "love hormone," "trust hormone," and the "cuddle chemical," but the scientific literature includes investigations of oxytocin's facilitation of anger, yet another approach-related emotion.