Abstract

SIGNIFICANCE OF NUCHAL CORD AT BIRTH BY APGAR SCORE OF NEW BORN: A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY

Kaushik Richa*, Kumar Ashwani, Nagar Oby and Singh Vineeta

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To study the significance of nuchal cord at birth by Apgar score of new born. Study design: A prospective analytical comparative study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, SMS medical college, Jaipur, from March 2013 to November 2014 to study the effects of nuchal cord on fetal outcome in full term vaginally delivering primigravida women in terms of changes Apgar scores of newborn infants. Results: Nuchal cord did not affect Apgar score of babies at 1 min and 5 mins of birth in primigravida women delivering vaginally. Also, the overall fetal outcome in terms of NICU admission and morbidity/mortality of baby during hospital stay remained unaffected. Conclusion: A prolonged period of deterioration is required before a baby needs resuscitation which does not occur in babies delivered vaginally with nuchal cord resulting in overall unaffected neonatal outcome. Hence, vaginal mode of delivery is a safe mode of delivery in patients with nuchal cord.

Keywords: Nuchal Cord, Primigravida, Full term vaginal delivery, Apgar score.