Which medication is often administered to help with contractions in labor?

Oxytocin, commonly known by its brand name Pitocin, is a medication specifically used to stimulate uterine contractions during labor. It is a synthetic form of the natural hormone oxytocin that the body produces to induce labor and facilitate childbirth. By promoting rhythmic contractions of the uterus, oxytocin helps progress labor and can be used to manage certain issues, such as slow or stalled labor, ensuring the delivery process continues effectively.

The other medications listed serve different purposes. For instance, magnesium sulfate is primarily used as a tocolytic agent to relax the uterus and may be administered to preterm labor cases to delay contractions. Fentanyl is a potent analgesic used for pain management and does not influence contractions directly. Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often used for pain relief but is not used to promote contractions in labor. Understanding the distinctive roles of these medications highlights why oxytocin is the correct choice for enhancing uterine activity during labor.