Recommendations for PPH prevention
The contribution of each component of the ‘active management of the third stage of
labour’ was examined in light of new available evidence, and relevant recommendations
were made. Box 1 presents recommendations concerning the use of uterotonics
for the prevention of PPH. All women giving birth should be offered uterotonics
during the third stage of labour to prevent PPH and IM/IV oxytocin (10 IU) is
recommended as the uterotonic drug of choice. Other injectable uterotonics (i.e.
ergometrine/methylergometrine, or the fixed drug combination of oxytocin and
ergometrine) and misoprostol are recommended as alternatives for the prevention
of PPH in settings where oxytocin is unavailable. Box 2 contains recommendations
related to cord management and uterine massage. The importance of controlled
cord traction (CCT) was revisited because of new evidence. This intervention is now
regarded as optional in settings where skilled birth attendants are available, and
is contraindicated in settings where skilled attendants do not assist with births.
Early cord clamping is generally contraindicated. Continuous uterine massage is
not recommended as an intervention to prevent PPH for women who have received
prophylactic oxytocin, because the massage may cause maternal discomfort, require
a dedicated health professional, and may not lead to a reduction of blood loss.
However, surveillance of the uterine tonus through abdominal palpation is recommended
for all women for the early identification of postpartum uterine atony. Table
1 summarizes the recommendation status of the individual components of the active
management of the third stage of labour. In summary, the GDG considered the use
of uterotonics as the main intervention within the active management of third stage
of labour package. In this context, the use of misoprostol for the prevention of PPH
by community health care workers and lay health workers is supported in settings
where skilled birth attendants are not present.
Recommendations for reducing blood loss during the third stage of labour in caesarean
sections are presented in Box 3. Oxytocin is the recommended uterotonic drug
for the prevention of PPH in caesarean sections. Cord traction is recommended in
preference to manual removal when assisting placental delivery in caesarean sections