To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Motherwort injection combined with oxytocin for preventing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during and after caesarean section.

From April 2005 to May 2006, a randomized, semi-blind, active drug-controlled trial was conducted on 143 women who delivered by caesarean section. They were divided randomly into Motherwort group (n=71) and oxytocin group (n=72). Motherwort group was given both Motherwort injection and oxytocin during the caesarean section and intramuscularly administrated Motherwort injection till 72 hours after delivery; whereas oxytocin group had the same administration as Motherwort group but with oxytocin instead of Motherwort. The following items were recorded, volumes of intra-operative hemorrhage, postpartum vaginal bleeding at 2 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after delivery, fundal heights after delivery and side-effects. The study protocol was approved by the Ethical Review Board of Investigation in Human Being of Chongzhou Women & Children' s Health Care Hospital. Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

The intra-operative bleeding volume in Motherwort group was more than that of oxytocin group (P<0.05). The volumes of vaginal bleeding was similar between two groups during all the postoperative study periods (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the vaginal bleeding volumes in Motherwort group were similar or even less than those of oxytocin group during 24-48 hours and 48-72 hours after delivery. There were no side-effects in the two groups.

Motherwort injection combined with oxytocin is safe and efficient for preventing postpartum hemorrhage after caesarean section. Motherwort injection combined with oxytocin is more efficient in decreasing the vaginal bleeding on postpartum days 2 and 3 as compared with oxytocin used only.