Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Delayed Cord Clamping vs Early Cord Clamping in Term Delivered Newborns

Abstract

Introduction: During the first minutes after birth, the newborn infant receives a substantial blood transfusion from the placenta. Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is associated with decrease incidence of anemia in childhood, less intraventricular hemorrhage and lower risk of necrotizing enterocolitis as compared to early cord clamping. The present study was conducted to study maternal and neonatal outcomes of delayed cord clamping (DCC) vs early cord clamping (ECC) in termdelivered newborns. Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in terms of low-risk pregnant women admitted for safe confinement in the labour room of SRMS IMS Bareilly, between August 2022 to January 2024. A total of 60 patients, who fulfilled the inclusion-exclusion criteria, were subjected to the study and divided into two groups of 30 each: Group A with ECC and Group B with DCC. Mothers and their newborns were evaluated with reference to maternal and neonatal outcomes. Statistical analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel and Epic Info 7.1 software. Results: In this study, ECC was performed on 30 (Group A), and DCC was performed on 30 (Group B). A significant increase in haemoglobin level without any significant increase in neonatal serum bilirubin level in the case of DCC, as compared to ECC. On the basis of this study, the delayed cord clamping shows significant positive effects on infants’ health. Conclusion: Delayed cord clamping improves haemoglobin levels and iron stores in term infants, which have major positive effects on infants’ health and development and decrease incidence of childhood anaemia.