Circadian Rhythm Discovery May Transform What Time of Day Doctors Induce Labor

Circadian rhythm discovery may transform what time of day doctors induce labor

In a discovery that could shift labor and delivery practices around the world, researchers at Michigan State University have found that the effectiveness of oxytocin—a common medication used to induce or speed up labor—depends on the time of day it's administered, especially for patients with gestational diabetes.

Drug for inducing labor works better at the right time of day

"Our findings suggest timing isn't just about scheduling—it can affect how well a patient's uterus responds to labor-inducing medication."