Active Management Of The Third Stage

Question 1

Third stage of labour

Answer 1

From birth of baby to delivery of the placenta

Question 2

Physiological management

Answer 2

Placenta is delivered by maternal effort without medications or cord traction

Question 3

Active management of the third stage

Answer 3

IM oxytocin - helps the uterus contract

Traction to the umbilical cord to guide the placenta out of the uterus and vagina

Question 4

Benefits of active management of the third stage

Answer 4

Reduces the risk of bleeding

Question 5

Side effects of active management of the third stage

Answer 5

Nausea and vomiting

Question 6

Who is offered active management of the third stage

Answer 6

Routinely offered to all women to reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage.

Also initiated if there is:

• Haemorrhage
• More than a 60-minute delay in delivery of the placenta (prolonged third stage)

Question 7

When is the cord cut and clamped

Answer 7

Cord is clamped and cut within 5 minutes of birth

Delay of 1 – 3 minutes between delivery of the baby and clamping of the cord to allow blood to flow to the baby

Question 8

When is controlled cord traction applied

Answer 8

During uterine contractions

Question 9

After delivery of the placenta

Answer 9

Uterus is massaged until it is contracted and firm.

Placenta is examined to ensure it is complete and no tissue remains in the uterus