Umbilical Artery Blood Acidity at Different Gestational Ages in Mothers with Ruptured Amniotic Sac in Deliveries at Imam Sajjad Hospital, Yasuj

Abstract

Introduction: Many factors predispose pregnant mothers to premature rupture of membranes and premature birth. Premature rupture of membranes has complicated approximately 10 of pregnancies. Examination of umbilical cord blood gases is performed to evaluate the fetal response to labor stress. Severe acidemia can increase neonatal mortality and damage the newborn's neurodevelopment. Given the importance of the problem, the present study was conducted with aim to determine and compare the acidity of umbilical artery blood at different gestational ages with ruptured amniotic sac. Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on all mothers with rupture of membranes who referred to Imam Sajjad Yasouj Hospital in 2022. The women were placed in three groups: “before 37 weeks”, “after 37 weeks before starting pain and rupture” and “term”. Data related to gestational age, infant gender, maternal age, multiples, Apgar score at 1 minute and 10 minutes, maternal underlying disease, type of delivery and umbilical cord arterial blood pH were extracted from their records. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (version 28) and one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc tests with Bonferroni correction. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Based on the analyses, there was a significant difference between pH of the umbilical artery in rupture of the amniotic sac at term and before term (P=0.003). There was a significant difference in distribution of umbilical artery acidity at different times of rupture of the amniotic sac (P=0.013). The distribution of umbilical artery pH acidity in vaginal delivery had a statistically significant difference (P=0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in cesarean deliveries (P=0.493). The distribution of umbilical artery acidity in female newborns, unlike male newborns, had a statistically significant difference (P=0.013). Conclusion: The blood gases of the newborns in vaginal delivery were different in the three groups and there was a relationship between the Apgar score and umbilical artery blood gases in the first hour of birth. Given the importance of umbilical cord pH, it is recommended to measure umbilical artery pH to determine the prognosis of stressed neonates in vaginal and cesarean delivery. © 2026 Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All right reserved