A 26-year-old woman delivers vaginally at term. The third stage is managed actively with 10 IU oxytocin IM, controlled cord traction, and uterine massage. What is the expected upper limit of normal duration of the third stage of labor?
- A 5 minutes
- B 15 minutes
- C 30 minutes ✓
- D 60 minutes
Correct answer: C. 30 minutes
Explanation
The third stage normally lasts up to 30 minutes. Active management reduces the average to about 5 to 10 minutes, but 30 minutes is the accepted upper limit of normal. Beyond 30 minutes it is classified as a retained placenta requiring intervention.
Reference: Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.