To minimize the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, which practice should be avoided?

To minimize the risk of postpartum haemorrhage, which practice should be avoided?

• A. Delayed cord clamping
• B. Routine episiotomy
• C. Uterotonic prophylaxis after delivery
• D. Active management of the third stage of labor

Answer: (B)

Avoid routine episiotomy. It does not decrease postpartum hemorrhage and actually increases tissue trauma and bleeding, along with other perineal morbidities. Guideline-supported practice is to perform episiotomy only when clearly indicated, not as a routine step. In contrast, using uterotonic prophylaxis after delivery and actively managing the third stage of labor reduce the risk of PPH by preventing uterine atony and ensuring orderly placental delivery, while delayed cord clamping is not associated with a meaningful increase in postpartum bleeding and offers neonatal benefits. So, to minimize PPH, routine episiotomy should be avoided.

Avoid routine episiotomy. It does not decrease postpartum hemorrhage and actually increases tissue trauma and bleeding, along with other perineal morbidities. Guideline-supported practice is to perform episiotomy only when clearly indicated, not as a routine step. In contrast, using uterotonic prophylaxis after delivery and actively managing the third stage of labor reduce the risk of PPH by preventing uterine atony and ensuring orderly placental delivery, while delayed cord clamping is not associated with a meaningful increase in postpartum bleeding and offers neonatal benefits. So, to minimize PPH, routine episiotomy should be avoided.