Newborn Transition to Extrauterine Life after Cesarean Section Outside of Labor

Aim The stress of the newborn during a spontaneous and natural labor is beneficial for transition to extrauterine life. We bring to attention non-invasive methods by which this transition can be effective in the absence of natural labor. Material and method 2-years study in Polizu Maternity on term newborns delivered by caesarean section without labor. They were randomly assigned to newborns where umbilical cord blood was clamped less than 30 seconds after birth and another after effective breathing. The Apgar score, the need for oxygen therapy, the vital functions, the metabolic disorders and the incidence of neonatal respiratory distress have been monitored. Results In newborns of the early umbilical cord clamping group, asphyxia (71.3%) was present at birth, requiring in 87.8% oxygen therapy. Cardio-circulatory function was characterized by bradycardia (56%) and hypotension in 53.4% cases. Metabolic disorders (hypoglycaemia, hypocalcemia) were present in 77.2% of cases. 86.3% had respiratory distress. In the clamping umbilical cord group after effective breathing, asphyxia at birth was present in 28.7% of cases, oxygen therapy was required at 12.2%. Bradycardia was present in 44% of cases and hypotension at 46.6%. Metabolic disorders were identified in 22.8%, and respiratory distress in 13.7% of cases. Conclusions Umbilical cord features after effective breathing has been accompanied by favorable parameters of transition to extrauterine life and reduced neonatal pathology.