Objective: To examine factors associated with the use of oxytocin for acceleration of labor in women delivered at home in rural India.

 

Method: Quantitative data were collected from 527 women who were delivered at home and qualitative interviews were carried out with 21 mothers and 9 birth attendants.

 

Results: Oxytocin use was associated with higher education and socioeconomic status, primigravidity, and delivery by a traditional birth attendant.

 

Conclusion: Labor acceleration with oxytocin occurs indiscriminately In India. Oxytocin use should be regulated, and training for birth attendants should be provided as well as health education for pregnant women.