Prophylactic Oxytocin Before Versus After Placental Delivery to Reduce Blood Loss in Vaginal Delivery "A Randomized Controlled Trial"

Abstract

Primary postpartum hemorrhage is the commonest form of obstetric hemorrhage; it is defined as blood loss of 500 ml or more from the genital tract within 24 hours of delivery. PPH is the leading cause of maternal deaths in Egypt representing 34% of maternal deaths in 2000, 20.3% in 2012 and 19.7% in 2013. All women giving birth should be offered uterotonics during the third stage of labor to prevent PPH, as it is the most effective component of AMTSL. The prophylactic use of uterotonic agents has been reported to be associated with shorter third stage, less risk of PPH and less need for additional uterotonics. There has been a debate over the route of administration and dose of the uterotonics used. However, recent guidelines from WHO, FIGO, and NICE all recommend the use of 10 IU of oxytocin intramuscular.