Active Management of the Third Stage of Labour

Abstract

An active policy of management for the third stage of labour, combining the administration of Syntometrine and umbilical-cord traction, was used in 10,082 patients. When compared with the results in previous years, during which traditional conservative methods were practised, a reduction in post-partum haemorrhage rate from an average of 5% to less than 2% is shown. There was no increase in the need for manual removal of the placenta or in the incidence of retained cotyledons or membranes. The technique is easily taught, is readily accepted, and is recommended for both hospital and domiciliary use. © 1966, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.