Investigating the use of oxytocin during the second stage of labor

Role of Oxytocin in the Second Stage of Labor: a Randomized Controlled Trial (The ROSSoL Trial)

Not applicable Interventional Washington University School of Medicine · NCT04303702

This study is testing if continuing oxytocin during the pushing stage of labor helps first-time moms have better delivery outcomes or if it could cause unnecessary risks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
SexFemale
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT04303702 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial examines the effects of continuing oxytocin administration during the second stage of labor in nulliparous women. While oxytocin is commonly used to enhance uterine contractions during the first stage of labor, its benefits and risks during the second stage remain unclear. The study aims to determine whether continuing oxytocin can improve delivery outcomes or if it poses unnecessary risks. Participants will be randomly assigned to either continue or discontinue oxytocin after reaching complete cervical dilation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are nulliparous pregnant women at or beyond 37 weeks of gestation who are in labor.

Not a fit: Patients with multiple gestations, major fetal anomalies, or those who are not on oxytocin at the time of complete cervical dilation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide evidence to guide the safe use of oxytocin in labor, potentially improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the benefits of oxytocin in labor, making this investigation both relevant and necessary.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Nulliparous pregnant women \>/= 37 weeks gestation
* Singleton pregnancies
* Admission for induction of labor or spontaneous labor

Exclusion Criteria:

* Multiple gestations
* Multiparous patients
* Patients with major fetal anomalies
* Not on oxytocin at the time of complete cervical dilation
* Patients with fetal head visible at the perineum on diagnosis of complete cervical dilation
* Maternal medical condition that prohibits prolonged second stage

Where this trial is running

St Louis, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Labor Complication
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.