Modern midwife
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Postpartum haemorrhage is an important cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. In the developing world, it is estimated to account for 28% of maternal deaths. Evidence suggests that active management of the third stage of labour using oxytocics, significantly reduces the risk of PPH. ⋯ Research using misoprostol, a prostaglandin, suggests that it may be effective in the prevention of PPH. It is given orally, does not require refrigeration and has few side-effects. Further research is planned, if misoprostol is found to be an acceptable alternative to other oxytocic agents, then it may be instrumental in reducing world wide deaths from PPH.