Effect of postpartum oxygen inhalation on vaginal blood loss

Abstract

Aim. To assess the efficacy of oxygen inhalation immediately after normal delivery on blood loss.

Method. A prospective randomised study conducted on 104 primiparas divided into two groups who underwent normal vaginal delivery. The study group (O₂ inhalation group), 52 women, received 8 l/min oxygen via a facemask for 2 h after the third stage of labour, whereas the control group, 52 women breathed room air in addition to conventional management. All women were evaluated hourly for vaginal blood loss. Blood loss volume was measured from the end of placenta delivery to 2 h postpartum and compared between the two groups.

Results. The study and the control groups were similar in age, gestational age, body weight and induction rate. The mean vaginal blood loss 2 h postpartum was 27.7 ± 5.8 ml in O₂ inhalation group and 48.8 ± 8.4 ml in the controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusion. Postpartum oxygen inhalation appears to reduce blood loss after normal vaginal delivery.

Keywords:

• Postpartum blood loss
• oxygen inhalation
• vaginal delivery
• randomised clinical trial

Acknowledgements

We thank Obstetrics Department personals, Obstetrics and Gynecology residents and Mrs. Zakizadeh for substantial help with this study.