IZVLEČEKUvod: Posteljica je začasen organ, a ključen za preživetje, rast in razvoj ploda. Porodi se med tretjo porodno dobo. Namen raziskave je bil pridobiti informacije o načinih vodenja tretje porodne dobe v slovenskih porodnišnicah ter o kompetencah babic pri rokovanju s posteljico. Metode dela: Raziskava je bila kvantitativno-deskriptivna, uporabljen instrument je bil strukturirani vprašalnik, tehnika zbiranja podatkov je bilo pisno anketiranje. Vzorec je bil namenski; vprašalnik je bil poslan v izpolnjevanje vodjem porodnih sob vseh štirinajstih porodnišnic v Sloveniji. Podatki so se zbirali od maja do junija 2012, obdelani so bili s programom SPSS 17. Rezultati: Odziv je bil 86%. Dve tretjini respondentov (67 %) navajata, da tretjo porodno dobo najpogosteje vodijo aktivno. Navadno posteljico porodi babica (83 %), vendar pri pregledu le-te ni samostojna, saj jo vedno preveri tudi zdravnik (83 %). Večina babic (86 %) ima strokovno samozavest (občutek znanja in volje), da bi pregled posteljice lahko opravile samostojno. Diskusija in sklep: Za končen izid poroda je odgovoren zdravnik; zato v večini primerov babice niso popolnoma samostojne, čeprav spremljanje fiziološkega poroda spada pod kompetence babice in so le-te za to strokovno usposobljene. ABSTRACT Introduction:The placenta is a temporary organ, essential for the survival, growth and development of the foetus. It is delivered during the third stage of labour. The purpose of this study was to gain information regarding the management of the third stage of labour in Slovenian maternity hospitals, including midwives' competences within this scope of practice. Methods: Descriptive quantitative method was used with a survey questionnaire as a research instrument. Convenience sample included all 14 Slovenian maternity hospitals. The data were gathered during May and June 2012. The analysis of data was performed with SPSS 17 programme. Results: The response rate to the survey was 86%. Two thirds of the respondents (67 %) report that the third stage of labour is usually actively managed. In general, the placenta is delivered by a midwife (83 %), however, the placenta is not examined only by a midwife, it is also checked by a doctor (83 %). The majority of midwives (83 %) feel professionally confident to examine the placenta autonomously. Discussion and conclusion: The final birth outcome is the responsibility of a doctor. Therefore, in the majority of cases, midwives are not completely independent, despite their competences and qualifications for the management of uncomplicated deliveries.