Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong HMR(1), Shum W(1), Tao MT(1), Lau YW(1), Leung WL(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PYNEH, HKEC
Introduction :
In order to provide an ideal outside- womb environment for newborns, CQI studies on baby’s core temperature were performed regularly in PYNEH delivery suite. Evidences have shown that early skin- to- skin contact benefits to both mothers and babies including newborns’ temperature regulation. Since the commencement of early skin-to-skin contact after birth and delay first bath in 2017, it is necessary to investigate the result of the above implementation.
Objectives :
To study the effectiveness of keeping newborn’s core temperature ≥36.5˚c after early skin-to-skin contact.
Methodology :
A study involving 108 newborns who were delivered vaginally (including normal spontaneous delivery, vacuum extraction, and low forceps delivery) was conducted from June to August 2018 in PYNEH delivery suite. Babies < 2.5 Kg, unstable maternal or newborns’ condition were excluded. The newborn was covered with pre-warmed hat and room temperature towel during skin-to-skin contact. The rectal temperature of newborn was measured at the beginning of skin-to-skin contact within and at the end of skin-to-skin contact. The temperature of the delivery room was measured. The duration of skin-to-skin and breastfeeding were also documented.
Result & Outcome :
Among the 108 cases, 93.6% babies maintained normal core temperature ≥36.5˚c after skin-to-skin contact. The mean newborns’ core temperature at the beginning of skin-to-skin contact was 37.02 +/-0.38˚C and the mean core temperature at the end of skin-to-skin contact was 36.7 +/-0.26˚C. 98.2% cases had skin-to-skin contact > 60 minutes.
The average room temperature was 21.09˚ C despite wall radiator was turned on before delivery. However, this study shows that baby’s core temperature can reach normal range irrespective of the room temperature.
4 cases had temperature < 36.5 ˚c after skin-to-skin contact, while the room temperature of these 4 deliveries was below 21˚c. This might due to low room temperature or non- compliance of keeping warm measures.
Conclusions:
In this study, result shows most newborns can maintain the normal core temperature ≥36.5˚C after early skin- to- skin contact. With the implementation of early skin-to-skin contact, newborns can have better temperature stability. Thus, staff should support and promote uninterrupted early skin- to- skin contact.
