Effects of Deferred Versus Early Umbilical Cord Clamping on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes

Abstract

See, stats, and : https : / / www. researchgate . net / publication / 319401628 Effects Clamping Article DOI : 10 . 12691 / ajnr - 5 - 4 - 3 CITATIONS 0 READS 35 3 , including : Some : Improving ' performance Hemorrhage Wafaa Damanhour 4 SEE Heba - Fatah Benha 4 SEE All . The . Abstract Background : Recent protocol proposed by the World Health Organization to manage the third stage of labour replaced the early cord clamping by deferred cord clamping to induce numerous neonatal benefits . But this practice is still resisted in most of the Arab countries . The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of deferred versus early umbilical cord clamping on maternal and neonatal outcomes . Methods : A quasi experimental research design was utilized . The study was conducted at labour unit in Damanhour National Medical Institute . Sample : A convenience sample of 150 parturient women undergoing normal vaginal delivery were randomly divided in two groups ; deferred cord clamping (n= 75) and early cord clamping (n= 75) . Tools : Three tools were used for data collection ; 1) Structured interview schedule to collect data about the women ' demographic characteristics and reproductive history . 2) Maternal outcomes assessment sheet . 3) Neonatal outcomes assessment sheet to assess the immediate and late neonatal outcomes . Results : There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0 . 05) between deferred and early cord clamping groups in relation to the maternal risk for post - partum hemorrhage , duration of third stage of labour and the need for manual removal of the placenta . Furthermore , a highly statistically significant differences (p < 0 . 001) were observed regarding neonatal hemoglobin , hematocrit , and red blood cells between the two groups . The mean total bilirubin level was significantly higher (P < 0 . 05) in the deferred cord clamping group than early cord clamping group . Conclusion : The study concluded that deferred umbilical cord clamping did not increase the risk of maternal post - partum hemorrhage , duration of third stage of labour or the need for manual removal of the placenta . Also , deferred cord clamping significantly increased neonatal hemoglobin , hematocrit , and red blood cells level without serious elevation in the total bilirubin level as it was still in the low intermediate risk or below 75 th percentile . Recommendation : Institutionalization of deferred cord clamping in all governmental hospitals and medical educational settings through providing policies , procedures and guidelines regarding this practice . This could significantly improve the intra - natal care for the neonate without harmful consequences for the mother .