Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO recommendations on maternal health: guidelines approved by the WHO Guidelines Review Committee, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025
Year of Publication2023
Issuing InstitutionWHO
Recommendation
Maintained
The use of oxytocin (10 international units [IU], intramuscular / intravenous) is recommended for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage for all births. In situations where women giving birth vaginally already have intravenous access, the slow intravenous administration of 10 IU oxytocin is recommended in preference to intramuscular administration
Context specific recommendation
Only in specific contexts
Certainty of evidence
Moderate
Also Featured In
This recommendation also appears in the following guidelines:
Originally Developed
Guideline
WHO recommendation on routes of oxytocin administration for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal birth
Year2020
InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Guideline
Consolidated guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage
Year2025
InstitutionWorld Health Organization