Pulse oximetry in newborns with delayed cord clamping and immediate skin-to-skin contact

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether defined reference ranges of oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and heart rate (HR) of term infants after birth also apply for infants born after midwifery supervised uncomplicated vaginal birth, where delayed cord clamping (DCC) and immediate skin to skin contact (ISSC) is routine management. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING AND PATIENTS: Infants born vaginally after uncomplicated birth, that is, no augmentation, maternal pain relief or instrumental delivery. INTERVENTIONS: Midwives supervising uncomplicated birth at home or in hospital in the Leiden region (The Netherlands) used an oximeter and recorded SpO₂ and HR in the first 10 min after birth. MAIN OUT..