Critical incident analysis of the third stage of labour

Critical incident analysis is a method of reflective practice that enables a particular topic to be studied in great detail. Under the headings and guidance of Gibbs’ reflective cycle (Gibbs, 1988), the management of the third stage of labour has been carefully analysed, criticised and discussed. Active management of third stage has become almost routine practice in many maternity units, with professionals justifying their actions by acknowledging the potential risk of postpartum haemorrhage. It is interesting to discover that women can perhaps tolerate a greater blood loss than previously thought and it must be accepted that the entire birthing process involves normal physiological events that have evolved for a good reason. While it is imperative that safety of mother and baby remain the priority, woman-centered care and informed choice should form the basis of all midwifery practice.