Early versus delayed cord clamping of term births in Shatby Maternity University Hospital

Abstract

Background

The optimal timing for cord clamping; early versus delayed in the third stage of labour, is a controversial subject. There are no formed practice guidelines.

Objective

To compare the potential benefits and harms of early versus late clamping in term infants in Shatby Maternity Hospital.

Methods

A randomized study was conducted on 100 primigravide full term single pregnancy admitted and delivered spontaneously at Shatby Maternity University Hospital. They were divided into two groups (each 50) where in the first group the umbilical cord was clamped immediately “early cord clamping” (ECC) and where the 2nd group the umbilical cord was clamped after pulsation had been ceased” delayed cord clamping” (DCC) and then Apgar score, Hemoglobin level, random blood sugar, oxygen saturation and bilirubin after 72 h of labour of newborn were compared and analyzed.

Results

There was no statistical significant difference between both groups as regards Apgar score, haemoglobin, Random blood sugar and bilirubin while, there was a statistical significant difference as regard O₂ saturation.

Conclusion

Delayed cord clamping is likely to result in better neonatal outcome.