Delivery of the placenta is considered the most dangerous stage in a labor because the risk of complications is highest. Uterine monitoring is performed after delivery of the placenta or after artificial removal of the placenta to check for retained placenta or membranes and the integrity of the uterus.

Oxytocin is injected into the uterine muscle and infused intravenously to stimulate uterine contractions to increase frequency and intensity. The usual subjects for injection are women with poor uterine contraction after vaginal delivery or during cesarean section.