Presentation Information

Is It Time to Rethink Cord Management When Resuscitation Is Needed?

• Speaker: Judith Mercer , PhD, CNM, FACNM
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, .1 Midwifery CEU, 1 Dietetic CEU

Abstract:

Currently obstetrical practice in the United States is beginning to embrace the need to delay clamping of the infant's umbilical cord at birth to provide a placental transfusion. If the well baby needs his placental blood, what about the distressed infant needing resuscitation? This presentation offers the case for resuscitation with an intact cord. We review the basic neonatal transitional physiology and recent literature. How hypovolemia may lead to inflammation is discussed. New physiologic data shows how the placental transfusion increases blood flow to the brain, lungs and heart of the newborn which may benefit the infant needing resuscitation. Three cases are reviewed. Practical issues involved in implementing placental transfusion for the infant needing resuscitation are discussed. Lastly, ideas for changing practice are presented.