This hospital-based, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will assess the effects of misoprostol as part of active management of the third stage of labor on postpartum blood loss, complications, and side effects. Twelve hundred eligible women will receive routine oxytocics (oxytocin 5-10 IU) plus either 400 mcg sublingual misoprostol or placebo during or immediately after delivery. The primary outcome will be measured blood loss of =\>500 mls within one hour after enrollment.