••• Chapter 5^ Labor and Delivery^59
❍ Components of the active management of the third stage of labor include?
Early clamping of the umbilical cord, placing traction of the cord, manual massage of the uterus, and the use
of pharmacologic agents.
❍ Name two of the more commonly used pharmacologic agents used in the active management of the
third stage.
Oxytocin and ergot alkaloids.
❍ Oxytocin may be administered by what routes?
Intravenous and intramuscular.
❍ Ergot alkaloid agents should not be used in women with these?
Hypertension, a history of migraines, a history of Raynaud phenomenon.
❍ What is the definition of retained placenta?
Retained placenta is one that has not been expelled with 30 to 60 minutes after delivery of the infant.
❍ What is the incidence of retained placenta?
0.5% to 1.0%.