The Association between Synthetic Oxytocin Administration During Labor and Birth Interventions, Maternal Anxiety, and Newborn Stress Levels: A Comparative Study

Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the associations between synthetic oxytocin administration during labor, birth intervention rates, maternal anxiety levels, and newborn stress levels.Method: This cross-sectional analytical study included 300 postpartum women divided into two groups: those who received synthetic oxytocin (n=197) and those who did not (n=103). Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Labor Observation Form, State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), and Newborn Stress Scale (NSS). Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the independent associations while adjusting for potential obstetric and sociodemographic confounders.Results: In unadjusted analyses, fundal pressure, placental retention, and episiotomy rates were higher in the synthetic oxytocin group (p<0.05). Women in this group also had higher SAI scores (51.43±3.39 vs. 50.11±3.54, p=0.040). and higher newborn stress levels (p=0.002). After adjusting for potential confounders in multivariable logistic regression, synthetic oxytocin administration remained significantly associated with increased odds of episiotomy (OR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.02–4.00, p=0.042) and placental retention (OR=7.14, 95% CI: 1.49–33.33, p=0.014). However, multivariable linear regression models for maternal anxiety (p=0.077) and newborn stress (p=0.052) did not reach overall statistical significance, indicating that these specific factors should not be interpreted as independently associated with oxytocin administration.Conclusion: The findings suggest that synthetic oxytocin administration is associated with higher rates of specific obstetric interventions such as episiotomy and placental retention. Due to overall model limitations, the independent relationships regarding maternal anxiety and neonatal stress should be interpreted with caution. Healthcare professionals should prioritize individualized, evidence-based labor management to minimize unnecessary medical interventions.