Influence of intraumbilical oxytocin on the third stage of labour

In this study the effect of intraumbilical oxytocin on duration and amount of blood loss in third stage of labour was studied. Pregnant women were randomized into 2 groups of 50 each. Group I was managed actively with 10 units of oxytocin diluted in 20 ml saline given through umbilical vein immediately after cord claming and Group II managed traditionally with oxytocin infusion 10 units in 250 ml of dexrose saline at rate of 125 ml/hr given after delivery of baby. In the study group there was a statistically significant decrease in duration of third stage of labour <1.48 min vs 3.27 min>, fall in haemoglobin <1.2 g/dl vs 1.96 g/dl> and fall in haematocrit <3.88% Vs 7.20%<. It was concluded that intraumbilical oxytocin appears to be a useful, safe and practical method for active management of third stage.