Uterotonics for post-partum haemorrhage

Abstract

The active management of the third stage of labour has been defined as the interval between the birth of the neonate and expulsion of the placenta, with the use of an oxytocic drug administered immediately after birth, early cord clamping and cutting, and controlled cord traction ( Deneux-Tharaux et al, 2013 ). Synthetic uterotonics are designed to stimulate contraction of the uterus, in order to prevent post-partum haemorrhage (PPH), as uterine atony accounts for 90% of primary PPH in woman globally ( Say et al, 2014 ). Oxytocin, Syntometrine, ergometrine, and misoprostol, remain the front line drug therapies used to prevent and manage this complication.