Oxytocin Via Intramuscular Injection and Intravenous Bolus or Infusion for Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Administration of Oxytocin Via Intramuscular Injection and Intravenous Bolus or Intravenous Infusion 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 intravenous (IV) infusion or IV bolus reduces the rate of postpartum hemorrhage compared to intramuscular (IM) injection.

The study will compare the effect of IV infusion or IV bolus to IM oxytocin administration with respect to mean blood loss and the proportion of women who experience blood loss greater than or equal to 500 ml, women who experience blood loss greater than or equal to 350 ml, side effects, adverse events and change in hemoglobin pre- to post-delivery.

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:

• Planned or transferred for delivery via Cesarean section
• Administration of a pre-delivery uterotonic to induce or augment labor
• Unable to provide informed consent due to mental impairment, distress during labor or other reason