Conclusions
This integrative review was conducted due to the need to
determine the effectiveness and benefits of interventions of
active management of TSL, in the prevention of PPH. The
data analysis showed that the studies included in the integrative
review advocate the effectiveness of active management
of the TSL in reducing the risk of haemorrhage in the
immediate postpartum period. In the vast majority of the
selected studies, the interventions included in the active
management of TSL follow the recommendations of WHO
(2007) and the FIGO/ICM (2004). Given these recommendations
and the results of this integrative review, the relevance
of the practice of actively managing the TSL is
relevant in preventing PPH.
In response to the initial question, the practice of midwives
during the TSL must be based on the following
sequential set of interventions to reduce the risk of PPH:
(1) If possible, after the birth, wait about three minutes to
clamp the umbilical cord; (2) after cutting, the cord must
be declamped so that placental blood drainage occurs,
thereby facilitating detachment of the placenta; (3) oxytocin
should be administered intravenously according to the
service protocol; (4) perform controlled traction of the
umbilical cord; and (5) after expulsion of the placenta and
membranes, uterine massage should be performed to
promote contraction of the uterus.
The WHO (2007) and FIGO-SMNH Committee (2012)
recommend the administration of oxytocin one minute after
birth, yet there is still no evidence and consensus about the
time (before or after the placenta is expelled) and manner
(intravenous or intramuscular) of administration. However,
it can be concluded that administration of oxytocin should
be performed according to the protocol of each hospital. Furthermore,
it is essential to evaluate the impact of these interventions
on the care of the women immediately in the
postpartum. Therefore, health professionals and midwives
should be directed to the active management practices of TSL
based on the latest scientific evidence, to prevent of PPH.