Effect of Early versus Late Cord Clamping of Term Infants on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes

Abstract

Aim: The current study aimed to study the effect of early versus late cord clamping of term infants on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Design: A quasi-experimental study design was used. Setting : Labour ward affiliated at Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Benha University Hospital. Sampling: Purposive sample included 340 women divided into 2 equal groups (group1 early cord clamping and group2 late cord clamping).Tools of data collection: I-Structured interviewing questionnaire sheet consisted of two parts. II- Maternal outcomes measures. III- Neonatal outcomes measures. Result. There was no statistical significant difference between early and late cord clamping regarding the duration of different stages of labor and postpartum laboratory investigation findings including maternal hemoglobin level and hematocrit at birth, and after four hours. There was a highly statistical significant difference ( p 0.05) between both groups regarding total bilirubin after 4 hours. Conclusion: delayed cord clamping improves neonatal hemoglobin and ferritin levels without causing any harm to maternal or neonatal outcomes. Also delayed cord clamping doesn't increase postpartum hemorrhage or duration of third stage of labour. Recommendation: increasing awareness of the routine delayed cord clamping by obstetricians and midwives to achieve mothers and neonates benefit.