Investigating active versus expectant management of third stage labour in a midwife-led unit

Little is known regarding third stage management approaches and the incidence of and treatment of postpartum haemorrhage in women giving birth solely in midwife-led units. This systematic literature review identified nine studies of varying quality that investigated active versus expectant management of the third stage of labour and any related blood loss in women, who had a normal physiological birth and gave birth or intended to give birth in a midwife-led unit. The results identified a need for further research studies into this area of practice, as birth settings are becoming increasingly more important. This is because of research studies that have reported many beneficial outcomes for healthy women at low risk of obstetric complications, who plan to give birth in midwife-led units.

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