title: Management of the third stage of labour in the midwife obstetric units in Cape Town.
abstract: A revised scheme of management of the third stage of labour was recently introduced in the Midwife Obstetric Units in Cape Town. Patients received synthetic oxytocin (Syntocinon; Sandoz) 5 IU intramuscularly with the delivery of the anterior shoulder and ergometrine maleate 0.5 mg intramuscularly after delivery of the placenta. A significant decrease in the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage and retained placenta was observed, warranting continuation of the new regimen.
mesh_terms: D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004874:Ergonovine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007749:Labor Stage, Third / Q000187:drug effects*; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000187:drug effects*; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D010121:Oxytocin; D004874:Ergonovine