Abstract Introduction Retained placenta can be defined as lack of expulsion of the placenta within 30 min of delivery of the infant. It is a significant cause of maternal mortality and morbidity throughout the developing world. Aim of the work The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intra-umbilical vein injection of carbetocin versus oxytocin in the management of retained placenta. Patients and methods A total of 200 women were included in this study. They were divided into two groups; each 100 women. The first group received intra-umbilical vein injection of 1 mL carbetocin (containing 100 μg carbetocin) diluted in 20 mL normal saline 0.9% and the second group received intra-umbilical vein injection of 20 IU oxytocin diluted in 20 mL normal saline 0.9%. Results Total blood loss (ml) and duration of the third stage of labor (minutes) were significantly lower in carbetocin group when compared to oxytocin group. Postoperative Hb concentration (g/dl) was significantly higher in carbetocin group. Also there was a highly significant difference between both groups as regard change in Hb concentration (g/dl) with less change in the carbetocin group. The need for additional uterotonic drugs following placental delivery and the occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage and the need for blood transfusion were significantly lower in the carbetocin group. Conclusion Intra-umbilical carbetocin is more effective than intra-umbilical oytocin as a method for management of retained placenta. Intra-umbilical carbetocin seems to have more acceptable hemodynamic safety profile when compared to intra-umbilical oxytocin in the management of retained placenta.