Introduction
The third stage of labor which starts with the delivery of the fetus consists of the two phases of separation and exit of placenta. Defective separation of the placenta leads to the separation of blood sinuses and consequently postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).[1] The prolonged third stage of labor is considered as the most important factor of PPH and excessive bleeding; therefore, different time intervals are set to diagnose the abnormal state of placenta and the possibility of PPH.[2]
PPH is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. More than 99% of maternal deaths occur in poor countries, while 30% of these deaths are attributed to the excessive blood loss commonly known as PPH.[3]
The common cause of delayed placenta delivery can be attributed to postpartum hemorrhage, inadequate uterine contraction, chorioamnionitis, and abnormal placenta attachment such as placenta increta and succenturiate lobe [2,4]
Past researches have revealed that the average duration of the third stage of labor is between 6–7 minutes.[5,6] Factors that can influence this time interval need to be studied. The number of pregnancies and labors,[7] abortions,[8] nulliparity,[5] method of induction and the use of pethidine as analgesia during labor[7] are the factors that might prolong the third stage of labor. However, some studies showed that either these factors had no relationship with this stage or that some might decrease the duration of the third stage of labor.[9,5] Considering the ongoing debate on this issue, the current study was designed to determine the duration of the third stage of labor and its associated factors.