Pitocin is the synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is naturally produced by the body in order to induce contractions. Pitocin is administered via an IV, with the dose gradually increased until the mother is experiencing contractions every two to three minutes. At this point, the doctor will either stop administering it, lower the dosage, or continue administering the current dosage through delivery.There are situations where administering Pitocin is medically necessary. For example, if the labor has been prolonged and the mother is becoming exhausted and weak, Pitocin can help increase the rate of contractions and help move the childbirth process quicker. This can help reduce the need of performing a Cesarean section delivery, which itself can have its own dangerous complications.Pitocin can also be used to induce labor when there are dangerous medical conditions that have developed, such as preeclampsia (when the mother develops extremely high blood pressure), polyhydramnios (excessive amniotic fluid), or when the baby is unable to develop properly in the womb.