Objective: To compare postpartum blood loss and side effects between parturients receiving intravenous oxytocin (WHO recommendation) with intravenous methylergometrine maleate (ergometrine) (Ramathibodi Hospital regimen) immediately after child birth.

Methods: The prospective randomized study of 80 parturients assigned to receive either oxytocin or ergometrine in the third stage of labor. All parturients were managed during first stage and second stage of labor according to the regimen of active management of labor (AMOL). Outcome measures were the postpartum blood loss, duration of third stage of labor, side effects of drug, and complications of delivery. Chi-square and t-test were used for hypothesis testing at level = 0.05.

Result: There was no significant difference in postpartum blood loss between the 2 groups. In ergometrine group, longer duration of third stage of labor was observed with more elevated systolic blood pressure and plus rate than in oxytocin group. In oxytocin group more uterotonic drugs added after delivery.

Conclusion: Oxytocin and ergometrine administered immediately after showed no difference in postpartum blood loss.