Mysore/Mysuru: Dr. Satyan Lakshminrusimha, Chair of Paediatrics, UC Davis, USA, has advised against  immediate cutting of umbilical cord, as it gives rise to breathing problems in the new born infant.

He was speaking at the CME (Continuing Medical Education) lecture on the topic ‘Respiratory distress in a term newborn’ organised under the aegis of Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP), Mysuru Chapter, at Sigma Hospital in Saraswathipuram here yesterday.

Pointing out that there will be 80 ML of blood in newborn and 40 ML blood in umbilical cord, Dr. Satyan Lakshminrusimha said that the blood that remains in the umbilical cord is that of the new born. As such, doctors should wait for at least 30 to 120  seconds for complete transfer of blood to the newborn, before cutting the umbilical cord.

Noting that in the older times, doctors used to wait for sometime before cutting the umbilical cord, he said that this practice changed in the 1950s with doctors cutting the cord soon after child birth. This new practice has resulted in respiratory distress in newborn as the full quantity of blood will not be transferred to the newborn. But research studies have shown that waiting for some time before cutting the umbilical cord has significantly lessened the respiratory distress in newborns.

Continuing, Dr. Lakshminrusimha said that it is better for pregnant women to have discussions with the doctor on implications after child birth.

“A newborn may also suffer respiratory distress due to fluid collection in lungs (Pulmonary edema) and the foetus waste discharge in the mother’s womb itself. As such, utmost caution is needed before maternity and measures must be taken in cases where the newborn’s lungs is filled with fluid. It is better to make the newborn rest in the most suitable manner,” he said.

Referring to COVID-affected pregnant women, he said that turning alternately to the left and right during sleep will help the affected. “It is very important to immediately test the newborn for any COVID stains. Also, precautionary measures must be taken to ensure that there is no health risks for the COVID-affected mother and her newborn,” he said.

Stressing on the need for pregnant women to maintain a good health and fitness, he said that consumption of nutritious food and exercising will help a lot. He also advised pregnant women to undergo periodical tests in the interests of herself and that of her womb and foetus.

MMC&RI former Dean and Director Dr. Krishnamurthy, Paediatricians Dr. S.N. Mothi, Dr. Rajeshwari, Dr. U.G. Shenoy, Dr. Anjali Siddesh, Dr. Nandita and others were present.