Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO recommendation on routes of oxytocin administration for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal birth
Year of Publication2020
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
Maintained
Originally developed
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:
Guideline
WHO recommendations on maternal health: guidelines approved by the WHO Guidelines Review Committee, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025
Year2023
InstitutionWHO
Guideline
Consolidated guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage
Year2025
InstitutionWorld Health Organization