Evaluating Placental Cord Drainage to Shorten the Third Stage of Labor and Reduce Postpartum Bleeding in Women Aged 18 to 35

What this Trial Is About

The trial investigates the effect of controlled placental cord drainage on the third stage of labor and postpartum bleeding in women. It focuses on how this method, involving opening the clamp at the maternal end of the umbilical cord after cutting, may influence the duration of placental delivery, blood loss during the third stage and the second hour postpartum, and the risk of postpartum complications. The study addresses conflicting previous findings and aims to clarify whether placental cord drainage can safely shorten labor and reduce bleeding. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups an intervention group where the clamp on the maternal end of the umbilical cord is opened to allow placental blood to flow out until signs of placental separation appear, and a control group where the cord remains clamped until placental delivery. Both groups receive standard prophylactic treatment with synpitan, and the placenta is delivered using controlled cord traction. The intervention procedure lasts up to five minutes unless earlier placental separation signs are seen. During the study, researchers will monitor labor stages, measure blood loss using collection devices and scales, and record the duration of the third stage of labor. Vital signs, uterine tone, and postpartum complications are assessed, with follow-up including hemoglobin and hematocrit levels 24 hours after birth. Breastfeeding initiation and duration are also tracked. Monitoring continues for two hours postpartum to evaluate safety and outcomes related to blood loss and labor progress.

The Effect of Placental Cord Drainage on the Third Stage of Labor and the Amount of Postpartum Bleeding