The standard practice during the third stage of labour of Dutch midwives and obstetricians was elucidated by a questionnaire mailed to all Dutch midwives and obstetricians. Prophylactic oxytocics in the third stage are used as a routine by 55% of the obstetricians and only 10% of the midwives. Oxytocin is the drug of first choice.
Conclusion: Routine use of prophylactic oxytocics in the third stage is not the standard practice in the Netherlands. Obstetricians are much more likely to use prophylaxis than midwives.