Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is
a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity
worldwide. Experimental studies support the
hypothesis that oxytocin administration during labour,
a common although not evidence-based practice, may
increase the risk of atonic PPH. The clinical studies,
however, are inconclusive. The objectives of this study
was to investigate the association between the level of
oxytocin exposure during labour and the risk of severe
PPH and to explore whether the prophylactic use of
oxytocin after birth modifies this association.