Birthing practices in question with new research

Women given medication during delivery of the placenta experienced increased postpartum blood loss, a new study has revealed. File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

New research examining blood loss during labour challenges current hospital practice, the New Zealand College of Midwives says.

Until now, many medical practitioners have given women medication during the delivery of the placenta, after a baby's birth, in the belief that it reduced blood loss.

However, a New Zealand study involving 33,000 women over a five-year period from 2004 has found that blood loss during the delivery of the placenta, know as the third stage of labour, was actually reduced when medication was not given.

The findings contradict United Kingdom research on which the obstetric practice was based.

"Our research showed that if women had active management (medication) they had a higher risk of blood loss," co-researcher Lesley Dixon told NZPA.

There was an increase in postpartum haemorrhage - a blood loss of more than 500mls - in women who were medicated, she said.

"I think the data supports midwives and women to continue to have a natural third stage, if that's what they choose."

The research included normal labours and births, and excluded multiple births, induced labours or other issues that might increase blood loss.

- NZPA