Umbilical Cord Clamping Timing At Birth By Obstetricians: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Delayed umbilical cord clamping is associated with significant benefits to preterm and term new-borns and is recommended for all the infants by the World Health Organization. Little is known about the cord management practices among the obstetricians. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe current cord clamping practices. Material And Methods: A cross-sectional physical survey was sent to 278 Obstetricians and gynaecologists. Umbilical cord practices were assessed, and the barriers related to delaying cord clamping were examined. Result: The overall response rate was 50%. 100 percent of respondents reported delayed cord clamping (DCC) one minute or more after the vaginal births and Lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) during term birth. In preterm birth, after vaginal births 65%, and in LSCS birth 43% practitioners waited at least 30 seconds before clamping the cord. Additional analysis revealed that need for neonatal resuscitation and risk of neonatal hypothermia were clinical barriers to DCC. Conclusion: In this study, most respondents reported delaying cord clamping. Neonatal resuscitation, risk of neonatal hypothermia and absence of written protocols were identified as major barriers for DCC. Future studies should focus on developing strategies to implement intact cord neonatal resuscitation. [Sai K Natl J Integr Res Med, 2020; 11(4):01-04]