Placental Cord Drainage Versus Clamping for Prevention of Blood Loss in the Third Stage of Labour

Abstract Background: Third stage of labour may contribute greatly in postpartum haemorrhage and maternal mortality if not well conducted. Unclamping of the maternal side of the umbilical cord after cutting may allow the placental cord blood to release freely and minimize blood loss. Aim of Study: This study aimed to investigate the effect of placental cord drainage on outcome of the third stage of labour. Patients and Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at the Emergency Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt. This study comprised a random sample of 116 parturient women who were expected to have spontaneous vaginal delivery and at low risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Women were divided into two equal groups (n=58 per each); the control group received the conventional management of the third stage of labour, similarly the study group in addition to the placental cord blood drainage. Data were collected assess-ing the participants' baseline characteristics and the third stage outcome sheet was used to evaluate outcomes of the third stage of labour. Results: Showed that the 3rd stage blood loss was signif-icantly lower by 146.7 ml in the study group compared to the control group (143.1±56 vs. 289.8±114.5; 95% CI, 113.6- 179.9, p<0.001). The third stage length was shorter in the study group than the control group by 2.6 minutes (4.5±1.7 vs. 7.1±2.9; t=5.788, p<0.001). Conclusion: Placental cord drainage during the third stage of labour was an effective method in reducing the blood loss and duration of third stage of labour. Being a safe, costless, and effective method placental cord drainage should be encouraged.