The maternal side of placental cord blood drainage in the management of the third stage of labor: Relook the basic step in minimizing the maternal blood loss

Abstract

Introduction: Prophylactic approaches are essential for reducing blood loss and preventing postpartum hemorrhage in all women during delivery. A different method for accelerating uterine emptying is placental cord blood drainage. Aims and objectives: To assess the effectiveness of placental cord blood drainage during active management of the third stage of labor in reducing the duration and blood loss in the third stage of labor.Methodology: Prospective observational study. Women were recruited randomly into two groups. Following the delivery of the baby, in addition to active management of the third stage of labor, women in group A- the maternal side of the placental cord blood was drained to a bowl till the flow ceases following the delivery of the baby. In Group B the placental cord blood was not drained.Results: The average duration of the third stage of labor was 4.90 ± 1.01 minutes in the study group and 7.23 ± 1.33 minutes in the control group. The average third stage blood loss was 203.4 ± 97.27 ml in the study group and 288.6 ± 111.66 mL in the control group.Conclusion:Placental cord blood drainage during the third stage of labor can shorten the third stage duration and reduce the blood loss among women with vaginal deliveries.