from our analyses of the selected articles that the time ofoxytocin administration (before or after delivery of theplacenta) has no significant effect on the incidence of PPH,the retention rate of the placenta or duration of the TSL(Soltani et al. 2010). This is an interesting observationbecause it indicates that the active management of otherinterventions used in the studies reviewed (CCT and uterine
massage) may have a more significant role in reducing theduration of the TSL than oxytocin administration.Previous studies, such as that of McDonald and Middleton(2009) (included in the review), have shown that lateclamping of the umbilical cord and oxytocin administration
after expulsion of the placenta can add to the benefit of normalising the birth process and preserving the prophylactic effects of oxytocin. With regard to the method of administration, it was found that although the studies included in the systematic review of Soltani et al. (2010) only contemplated the intravenous administration of oxytocin,
in its conclusions, the authors argued that intramuscular administration needs to be further researched before being routinely practised.
Considering the fact that the protocols of Portuguese
institutions indicate that intravenous administration of oxytocin should be performed after birth, the inclusion of the study by Foroozanfard et al. (2011) in this integrative review demonstrated that administration of 10 IU oxytocin intravenous bolus (in women with vaginal childbirth without
anaesthesia) is not associated with adverse effects on
maternal haemodynamics and seems to be more effective in preventing PPH, with a lower incidence of retained placenta and reduction in haemoglobin concentrations. Taking into account the above-mentioned facts, it appears that oxytocin
should be administered before or after expulsion of the placenta to reduce the risk of PPH.
However, the time and manner of oxytocin administration must respect institutional protocols, as well as associated risks, and maternal and neonatal conditions. Controlled cord traction is the second step in the active management of TSL under the recent guidelines of FIGOSMNH
Committee (2012) and involves applying backpressure a little above the woman’s pubic bone and controlling the traction of the umbilical cord during uterine contractions. If the placenta does not detach during 30–40 seconds of controlled traction, the clinician should stop pulling the cord and wait for the next contraction. The placenta should
be safely and slowly expelled with both hands and with rotation movements until complete extraction.
The studies selected for this integrative review intended to verify the effectiveness of CCT in reducing PPH. Althabe et al. (2009) concluded that although the differences are not significant,
CCT may reduce blood loss after delivery.