The results of these reviews suggest that oxytocin
appears to be the agent of choice of third stage
management in low risk women.30 Prophylactic
oxytocin may be given as 10 IU IM, 20-50 IU per litre IV
drip run at 100-150 cc/hr or 5 IU IV push.10,14 Some
authorities caution against the use of a bolus of
intravenous oxytocin, citing small studies which suggest
that such practices could compromise women’s
hemodynamic state3. However, a recent randomized
controlled trial41 has demonstrated no significant
difference in hemodynamic status between women
given prophylactic intravenous oxytocin by infusion or
by bolus; this study does not address giving intravenous
boluses of oxytocin to women who are already
hemodynamically unstable. When caring for women
who give birth without pain medication, care providers
should remember that intramuscular oxytocin is
experienced by most women as being relatively painful.