Oxytocin Administration
Question #21
Should oxytocin be administered if baby is delivered but the placenta has not been delivered. The conditions of administration I find aren't clear and are open for interpretation when they state "postpartum delivery and/or placental delivery" to me both of these options indicate after the placenta is delivered.
Answer:
Good afternoon!
Thank you for your question!
To help clarify, Oxytocin can be administered after the delivery of all fetuses and/or placenta. Oxytocin administration can occur whether the placenta has been delivered or not, as long as, if it is delievered, it is within 4 hours of placenta delivery.
The term “postpartum delivery” refers to the period of time after childbirth. As a result, placental delivery would be included within this period of time.
As long as all babies are out, given that all other conditions are met, Oxytocin can be administered.
Take care!
CEPCP
References
Medical Directive Category
Emergency Childbirth
Published
30 January 2025
ALSPCS Version
5.3
Views
33
Please reference the MOST RECENT ALS PCS for updates and changes to these directives.