Uterotonic Use Immediately Following Birth

Publish Date: October 2013
Author: MCHIP
Language: English

It is widely accepted that the most effective intervention for preventing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the administration of a uterotonic to a woman immediately following delivery. However, few countries currently have data on the percentage of births that receive a uterotonic. In 2012, the WHO Recommendations for the Prevention and Treatment of PPH included guidance that “monitoring the use of uterotonics after birth for the prevention of PPH is recommended.”

In an effort to assist countries to meet that recommendation, MCHIP has piloted a rapid estimation exercise for the measurement of uterotonic use immediately following birth. The methodology, piloted in Mozambique, Tanzania, Jharkhand State (India), and Yemen, will allow countries to identify coverage gaps and track progress in PPH reduction, thereby strengthening efforts to decrease maternal mortality. This briefer covers the methodology, results and conclusions of the estimation exercise.