The third stage of labour begins immediately after birth of the baby and ends with
the expulsion of the placenta and fetal membranes. Two different approaches
have been used to deal with third stage labour: "active management" and
"physiological or expectant management". Placental cord drainage has been proposed
as a variation of one of the components of the active management.
Key messages
􀃎 The available evidence suggests that placental cord drainage may reduce the
risk of retained placenta.
􀃎 Further research regarding the effect of cord drainage after spontaneous
vaginal delivery on relevant clinical maternal and neonatal outcomes is warranted.