Saudi Med J
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This study was carried out to describe the safety and efficacy of intramuscular syntometrine (oxytocin plus ergometrine) compared to intravenous oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, and the difference between administration at the end of the 2nd stage of labor compared with that after delivery of the placenta. ⋯ Oxytocin alone is as effective as the use of syntometrine (ergometrine plus oxytocin) in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, but associated with significantly fewer maternal side effects. Oxytocics administered after the 2nd stage of labor compared with after the 3rd stage of labor (placental expulsion) are associated with a significantly fewer rate of postpartum bleeding.