Abstract: 125 cases of asphyxia neonatorum encountered within the past 4 years were analyzed.The incidence of the disease was 2.5%.Among them oxytocin had been used in 39 cases for hastening parturition and inducing labour(31.2%).In the group of hastening parturition and inducing labour the incidence of asphyxia neonatorum was 3.42 %.In natural labour the incidence of asphxia neonatorum was 1.63% at the same period(P<0.01).The concentration of oxytocin infusion was 1 U% in 39 cases, and the frequency of uterine contraction was 1～2 min. At the time of labour 20 cases of fetal monitorring patterns were abnormal and the amniotic fluids were stained with meconiumin 21 cases. One case died of embolism due to amniotic fluid. The study shows:improperly used oxytocin can lead to intrauterine anoxia of the fetus, posing untoward effects to both baby and mother.Mastering the conditions and methods of using oxytocin properly is very important.

Key words: oxytocin, anoxia, asphyxia