Changes in Cardiac Output During Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping

Changes in Cardiac Output During Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping

Recently, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommended a delay of 30-60 seconds in umbilical cord clamping for all newborn infants. This delay allows the newborn to receive his/her own blood from the placenta (placental transfusion) which helps their transition in the first hours of life. The purpose of the study is to learn about the amount of blood flow to and from the baby's heart during normal newborn transition

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy full term infants
• Delivered by vaginal birth
• Estimated gestational age of 37+0to 41+6 weeks corrected gestational age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multiples
• Known fetal anomalies (including cardiac defects).
• Instrumentation during delivery (forceps or vacuum)
• Non-reducible nuchal cord during delivery.
• Any maternal or neonatal indication requiring immediate cord clamping.