IV vs IM Oxytocin in the Third Stage of Labor for Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Intravenous and Intramuscular Administration of Oxytocin in the Third Stage of Labor for Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage

The study will evaluate whether prophylactic oxytocin administered in the third stage of labor via IV infusion results in a lower mean blood loss compared to IM injection.

The study will compare the effect of IV infusion and IM oxytocin administration on the proportion of women who experience blood loss greater than or equal t 350 ml, the proportion of women who experience blood loss greater than or equal to 500 ml, side effects, adverse events and change in hemoglobin pre- to post-delivery. It will also assess whether a bleeding history questionnaire can identify women at risk for excessive bleeding and help to define the distribution of bleeding scores among women with and without excessive bleeding.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All women who present in active labor for a live birth at the study hospital will be considered for participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria: Women who are:

• Planned or transferred for delivery via Cesarean section
• Not delivering a live birth
• Unable to provide informed consent due to mental impairment, distress during labor or other reason
• Unwilling and/or unable to respond to questionnaires about background characteristics and/or bleeding history.