Pitocin is a drug created synthetically that helps induce pregnant women into labor.  It is taken through an IV drip into the bloodstream and causes the uterus to contract.  Pitocin is used when the delivery is not going smoothly -- if the baby is past due, or labor is not progressing fast enough.  It is also used to discharge the placenta and  shrink the uterus back to normal size if this isn't achieved by the mother naturally.  

Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin. It can be used to induce labor or speed up labor. Check out the link for some facts on pitocin.