Combination of motherwort injection and oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean section

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of motherwort injection combined with oxytocin for preventing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after cesarean section (CS).Methods: From March 2011 and February 2013, a randomized study was conducted on 165 primipara undergoing CS. 83 and 82 cases were placed into the combination of oxytocin and motherwort group and oxytocin group, respectively. Blood loss was calculated and measured during three periods: from placental delivery to the end of CS, from the end of CS to 2 h postpartum and from 2 h postpartum to 24 h postpartum. Vital signs were also measured.Results: Blood loss in the period from placental delivery to the end of CS was similar (P = 0.58) in these two arms. The quantity of total blood loss from the end of CS to 2 h postpartum (P = 0.03) and from 2 h postpartum to 24 h postpartum (P = 0.01) were significantly reduced in the combination of oxytocin and motherwort group. No significant abnormal vital signs were observed. Mild, transient side effects occurred more often in the combination of oxytocin and motherwort group.Conclusions: It is efficacious and safe that combination use of motherwort injection and oxytocin could reduce blood loss and prevent PPH after CS.