What drug is used to induce labor in women with post-term pregnancies?

Oxytocin is the correct choice for inducing labor in women with post-term pregnancies. This hormone is a powerful uterine stimulant and is often administered intravenously or intramuscularly to facilitate contractions during labor. In the context of post-term pregnancies, where the risks for both the mother and fetus increase due to prolonged gestation, oxytocin plays a crucial role in initiating and sustaining effective labor to promote a timely delivery.

While prostaglandins can also be used for cervical ripening and induction, they are typically considered as an alternative method in the induction process. Carboprost is used primarily for managing postpartum hemorrhage and does not serve the purpose of labor induction. Magnesium sulfate is generally used as a tocolytic agent to suppress preterm labor or to manage conditions like eclampsia, but it does not induce labor in post-term situations.

Therefore, oxytocin stands out as the most effective and commonly used medication for inducing labor when addressing post-term pregnancies, facilitating the safe delivery of the baby while managing potential risks associated with prolonged pregnancy.