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