Abstract

HIDALGO-LOPEZOSA, Pedro; HIDALGO-MAESTRE, María  and  RODRIGUEZ-BORREGO, María Aurora. Perinatal factors associated with umbilical cord blood pH values. Enferm. glob. [online]. 2016, vol.15, n.43, pp.40-50. ISSN 1695-6141.

Objective: Perinatal asphyxia is the mayor cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The analysis of umbilical arterial cord blood pH remains an objective criterion used to determine the metabolic state of the newborn after birth, and therefore of fetal wellbeing. The aim was to identify the perinatal factors associated with umbilical arterial cord blood pH values. Materials and methods: A descriptive and analytical study was conducted between January 2010 and January 2013 at a tertiary hospital in the Southern Spain. The inclusion criteria were: Uncomplicated pregnancy and vaginal single delivery at term with vertex presentation. Independent variables with greater significance after the univariate analysis were: Age, parity, gestational age, epidural analgesia, birth plan, and episiotomy, duration of first labor stage and oxytocin use. It was considered as a dependent variable the umbilical arterial blood pH values (< = 7.24; > 7.24). The total number of women was 165. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression. Results: Epidural analgesia and gestational age more than or equal to 41 weeks have negatively influence the neonatal umbilical cord pH, while having presented a birth plan could have a protective influence. Conclusions: findings of this study provide to the professionals more evidence on the elements that may influence neonatal wellbeing, in order to act accordingly, anticipating risk situations and applying more effective care.

Keywords : newborn; umbilical cord; pH; perinatal factors.

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