Comparing the Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping and Umbilical Cord Milking on Hematological Parameters in Healthy Term Neonates: A Randomized Control Trial.

Abstract

Abstract: Iron stores at birth can be affected by transplacental transfer of iron and blood from the placenta and cord at the time of delivery. To enhance their transfer from placenta and umbilical cord to baby, interventions like umbilical cord milking and delayed cord clamping have received a lot of scientific attention. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim to compare the effect of delayed cord clamping (DCC) and umbilical cord milking (UCM) on hematological parameters in healthy term neonates. This single centered Randomized Control Trial (RCT) was conducted in term neonates (37-41 weeks) born either vaginally or by lower segment cesarean section at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot , Punjab, India for the period of one and a half year.  Statistically, it has been analyzed that newborns who underwent DCC and UCM, there was an insignificant difference in the level of hemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (HCT) at 30 minutes, 24 hours and 48 hours after birth. Similarly, the insignificant results were observed for hematological parameters in the two treatment groups at six weeks of age. Our study demonstrated that both Delayed Cord Clamping (DCC) and Umbilical Cord Milking (UCM) have comparable benefits in improving hematological status at six weeks of age. Both the methods of placental transfusion do not alter the hemodynamic status of the child and do not result in any significant adverse neonatal outcomes in the first 48 hours of life.