The Correlation between Type of Delivery and Umbilical Cord Blood Hemoglobin and Hematocrit in Full-Term Neonates

Neonates with lower hemoglobin and hematocrit are more at risk of iron deficiency anemia. This rate is influenced by several factors. Children's health can be improved by identifying these factors and taking appropriate actions. This study determined the relationship between type of delivery and umbilical cord blood hemoglobin and hematocrit.

This descriptive correlational study was performed on full-term neonates born in 22-Bahaman hospitals in Gonabad, Iran, during 2011. The sample size was determined based on previous studies and means comparison. Purposeful sampling was used to select 90 cases of normal delivery and 90 cases of caesarean section. Cord closure time was similar in both groups. Umbilical vein blood samples were sent to the specific laboratory for hemoglobin and hematocrit to be measured. The data was analyzed by t-test, Fisher's exact test, Pearson's correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 5% in SPSS16.

Our results showed that the mean of hemoglobin in normal delivery and caesarean section cases were 15.11 ± 1.38 and 13.88 ± 1.52, respectively. The difference between the two values was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the mean of hematocrit in normal delivery (43.64 ± 4.58) and caesarean section (40.73 ± 4.53) groups (P < 0.001). The results showed a significant difference between hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in both sexes, i.e. the levels were higher in boys (P = 0.01).

Umbilical cord blood hemoglobin and hematocrit in neonates of caesarean section were less than those with normal delivery. Therefore, the first group is more at risk of iron deficiency anemia. Development and promotion of safe vaginal delivery are recommended to avoid unnecessary complications of cesarean section. Moreover, iron deficiency anemia should be followed and treated in cesarean section cases.