Misoprostol for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage

Misoprostol for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage

This hospital-based, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will assess the effects of misoprostol as part of active management of the third stage of labor on postpartum blood loss, complications, and side effects. Twelve hundred eligible women will receive routine oxytocics (oxytocin 5-10 IU) plus either 400 mcg sublingual misoprostol or placebo during or immediately after delivery. The primary outcome will be measured blood loss of =>500 mls within one hour after enrollment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women who have given birth to 1 or more live-born infants (para 1 or more)
• Vaginal delivery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal or inability to give informed consent
• Delivery regarded as abortion according to local gestational age limits
• Inability to take misoprostol sublingually
• Cesarean section
• Assisted vaginal delivery