Oxytocin Administration in the Third Stage of Labour - A Study of Appropriate Route and Dose

Intramuscular Versus Intravascular Oxytocin for the Third Stage of Labour

Mothers are given the medication oxytocin after birth to help the uterus (womb) contract and therefore reduce blood loss. In Canada, oxytocin is given either into the muscle of the thigh or into a vein. However, it is not known which route is better.This study will test which dose and route of oxytocin is best in reducing blood loss following vaginal delivery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• women 19 years and older
• singleton pregnancy
• 32 weeks gestation
• spontaneous vaginal delivery

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous postpartum hemorrhage
• placenta previa
• grand multiparity (>4)
• anticoagulation therapy
• delivery prior to 32 weeks gestation
• operative vaginal delivery
• antepartum hemorrhage > 20 weeks
• hemoglobin <10g/dL
• multiple gestation
• intrauterine death