Inpatient Obstetric Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Prostaglandins are the medication class typically used to stimulate contractions during labor. They help to ripen the cervix and enhance smooth muscle contractions of the uterus, which facilitates the process of labor. These hormones are naturally occurring in the body and play a significant role in initiating and sustaining contractions as well as preparing the uterus for childbirth.

In comparison, analgesics are primarily used to relieve pain during labor and do not stimulate contractions. Antibiotics are used to prevent or treat infections, which is crucial in maintaining maternal and fetal health but does not directly affect uterine contractions. Magnesium sulfate is often utilized for conditions such as preterm labor or to prevent seizures in pregnant women with conditions like preeclampsia, but it actually acts as a tocolytic by inhibiting contractions rather than stimulating them. This context helps clarify why prostaglandins are the preferred medication for contraction stimulation during labor.