Oxytocics for the prevention of post-partum haemorrhages

Abstract

Secale alkaloids, oxytocin and prostaglandins are used to prevent post-partum haemorrhage (post-partum haemorrhage defined as blood loss greater than or equal to 500 ml). Any oxytocic drug administered in the third stage of labour reduces the blood loss with approximately 40% and hence the incidence of post-partum haemorrhage from 10 to 6%. Therefore, routine active management of the third stage with an oxytocic drug is strongly advocated. Because of the fewest side-effects oxytocin is regarded as the best drug available at this moment.