Comparing Intra-Umbilical Versus Intravenous Oxytocin in Women During the Third Stage of Labor for Reducing Blood Loss

Study summary

What the protocol is testing.

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether giving oxytocin through the umbilical cord is more effective than giving it through a vein in reducing blood loss during the third stage of labor. The third stage of labor is the period between the birth of the baby and the delivery of the placenta. Excessive bleeding after delivery, known as postpartum hemorrhage, is a major cause of maternal illness and death worldwide. Oxytocin is commonly used to help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding after childbirth. The main question this study aims to answer is: Does intra-umbilical oxytocin reduce the average amount of blood loss during the third stage of labor compared with intravenous oxytocin? Researchers will conduct a randomized controlled trial involving 60 women with uncomplicated pregnancies who are in spontaneous labor. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Participants in the first group will receive 10 IU oxytocin intravenously at the delivery of the baby's anterior shoulder. Participants in the second group will receive 10 IU oxytocin injected into the umbilical cord after the baby is delivered. In both groups, the placenta will be delivered using controlled cord traction. Blood loss will be measured by collecting blood in a kidney tray and by weighing pre-weighed sanitary pads for the first 24 hours after delivery. Researchers will compare the average blood loss between the two groups to determine which method of administering oxytocin is more effective in reducing postpartum bleeding.