Study Finds Change in Oxytocin Administration After Childbirth Could Reduce Postpartum Hemorrhage Rates

Administering a higher dose of oxytocin during the third stage of labor led to significant decrease in hemorrhage rate.

Oct. 27, 2026

Key Highlights

The protocol increased oxytocin from 30 to 60 units during the first hour after birth.
Across 2,674 births, postpartum hemorrhage rates fell from 14.3% before the change to 11.2% afterward.
The reduction was driven by vaginal births, where hemorrhage rates fell by approximately 40% relative to the prior rate.
Researchers note that more evidence is needed on the optimal dose and its safety, particularly for delivery modes other than vaginal birth.

A new study in Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Green Journal found that a change in administering oxytocin after childbirth may help reduce postpartum hemorrhage.

A higher dose of oxytocin was administered during the third stage of labor during 2,674 births. The rate of postpartum hemorrhage decreased significantly, driven by a reduction among patients with vaginal births.

Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal illness and death; the optimal dose and administration of oxytocin, which is widely used to help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding after birth, is still being studied. The initiative bumped the oxytocin dose administered to birthing women during the first hour after birth from 30 units to 60.

The analysis of the results showed lower overall hemorrhage rates; in vaginal births, there was a relative reduction of approximately 40%. The overall rate went down from 14.3% before the protocol was introduced to 11.2% afterward.

More study is required to better understand the optimal oxytocin dose and its safety profile, particularly across different modes of delivery other than vaginal birth.