Final answer:
It is true that medication, often synthetic oxytocin, is administered during the delivery of the placenta to contract the uterus and minimize bleeding. This step is part of the third stage of labor to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and assist in the involution of the uterus.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, during the delivery of the placenta, a nurse or healthcare provider may give medication to contract the uterus and minimize postpartum bleeding. This practice is an essential part of the third stage of labor, which involves the passage of the placenta after the baby has been born. Medications such as synthetic oxytocin, known as Pitocin, can be administered to ensure that the uterus contracts effectively, helping to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and facilitate the process of involution, where the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size.
Involution also assists abdominal organs in returning to their pre-pregnancy locations. Breastfeeding can naturally facilitate this process as it stimulates the release of oxytocin, which causes the muscles of the uterus to contract. Furthermore, expelling the entire placenta is crucial because retained fragments can lead to hemorrhage. Therefore, an obstetrician must examine the placenta to ensure its completeness post-delivery.