Cesarean delivery is defined as fetal birth through incisions in the abdominal wall and the
uterine wall. This definition does not include removal of the fetus from the abdominal cavity
in the case of uterine rupture or in the case of an abdominal pregnancy The guidelines of the
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on caesarean section recommend a slow
intravenous bolus dose of 5 IU of oxytocin after delivery of the infant. Intravenous oxytocin
has a short half life (4-10 minutes); therefore the potential advantage of an oxytocin
infusion at caesarean section is in maintaining uterine contractility throughout the surgical
procedure and immediate postpartum period, when most primary haemorrhage occurs