Misoprostol for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage: a prospective clinical trial

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the efficacy of 600 mcg misoprostol, given orally in management of the third stage of labor to minimize blood loss in the early postpartum hours. Prospective controlled trial. Kasr El-Aini Hospital. Women who were in labor between 36 to 42 weeks were divided into two groups, each including one hundred women Group A Received no postpartum medications. Group B Received misoprostol 600 micrograms [3tb.] orally postpartum. There were statistically significant differences in the mean duration of the third stage of labor, blood pressure and pulse between the control and misoprostol groups. A lager number of patients in the control group had bleeding from 500-1000 ml however, there was no significant difference in lab results between both groups within the first 6 hours postpartum. Oral misoprostol is effective in prevention of postpartum haemorrhage. The exact dose should be further investigated