Background: Postpartum haemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity worldwide. Intra-umbilical venous oxytocin injection has been proposed as an adjunct to active management of the third stage of labour to facilitate placental separation and reduce blood loss. This study evaluated the effectiveness of intra-umbilical oxytocin in shortening the third stage and minimizing postpartum blood loss. Objectives: To assess the effect of intra-umbilical venous oxytocin injection on placental separation time, third-stage duration, and total blood loss. Methods: This randomized comparative study included 60 term pregnant women undergoing vaginal delivery or caesarean section, allocated equally into an intervention group receiving 10 IU oxytocin diluted in 20 mL normal saline through the umbilical vein immediately after delivery, and a control group receiving standard active management alone. Outcomes measured included duration of the third stage, time to placental separation, estimated blood loss using calibrated drapes and pad weighing, pre- and post-delivery haemoglobin levels, and need for additional uterotonics or manual removal of placenta. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The intra-umbilical oxytocin group showed significantly shorter third-stage duration and faster placental separation. Mean blood loss and haemoglobin drop were markedly lower in the intervention group compared to controls. The requirement for additional uterotonics was reduced, and no major maternal complications occurred. Baseline demographics were comparable between groups. Conclusion: Intra-umbilical venous oxytocin administered immediately after delivery effectively shortened the third stage of labour, accelerated placental expulsion, and significantly reduced postpartum blood loss, suggesting it may be a beneficial addition to standard management..
Keywords: Blood loss, Intra-umbilical oxytocin, Placental separation, Postpartum hemorrhage, Third stage of labor
How to cite this article: Deshpande H, Patil J.; Effect of Intra umbilical venous oxytocin injection on placental separation and it’s effect on minimizing blood loss..Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(1s): 622-629; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16. 622-629