Postpartum use of oxytocin and volume of placental transfusion: a randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To assess whether oxytocin administered before clamping the umbilical cord modifies the volume of placental transfusion.

Design: Randomised controlled trial.

Methods: Mothers of term infants born vigorous by vaginal delivery with informed consent provided in early labour were randomly assigned to oxytocin (10 IU) given intravenously within 15 s of birth (group 1) or after clamping the umbilical cord 3 min after delivery (group 2).