The New Indian Journal of OBGYN 5(1):13-17

A comparative study between prostaglandin F2α and methyl ergometrine in the active management of third stage of labour

Sabha Malik, Cimona Lyn Saldanh, Fida Mohammad

ABSTRACT

Background: Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) which occurs in up to 18% of the births carries with it a 3% risk of death and is a largely preventable event. Material and Methods: A prospective study was carried out over a period of one and half years. A total of 200 women were enrolled in the study and were divided into two groups. In Group I prostaglandin F2α was given intramuscularly and in group II methyl ergometrine was given intravenously at the time of delivery of anterior shoulder of the fetus. The main outcome measures that were studied included the duration of third stage of labour, amount of blood loss and a drop in hemoglobin and haematocrit concentration from before delivery to 24 hrs after delivery. Results: It was observed that the mean duration of third stage of labour was significantly shorter (p<0.001) in Group I (2.52±1.35 mins) as compared to Group II (3.41±1.1 mins). The mean blood loss was also significantly less (p<0.001) in the Group I (129±27.25 ml) as compared to Group II (250± 35.21 ml). The percentage drop in hemoglobin in Group I was significantly lesser than in Group II. Conclusion: It was concluded that intramuscular prostaglandin F2α is a better alternative to intravenous methyl ergometrine in the active management of third stage of labour as it reduces blood loss significantly.