The Effect Of Skin To Skin Contact On The Expulsion Time Of The Placenta And Delivery Hormones
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Introduction: Skin to skin contact is applied in vaginal and cesarean section and many of its positive effects are already known. In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of skin to skin contact on birth hormones and expulsion time of the placenta in spontaneous vaginal deliveries. Methods: The study comprised 40 women who applied to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Manisa Celal Bayar University. The study group experienced continuous SSC and the control group received standart care with separation of the newborn. Expulsion time of the placenta was noted and blood samples pre- and postpartum were withdrawn for levels of oxytocin, β- endorphine and catecholamine. Results: The mean age of mothers in the case group was 28.55±5.97, the mean age of mothers in the control group was 26.75±6.58. The seperation time of the placenta was statistically significant shorter in the study group when compared to the control group. Levels of oxytocin and catecholamine were similar both pre-and postpartum between study and control groups. β- endorphine levels were similar postpartum but significantly higher in the prepartum period in the study group. Discussion and Conclusion: Skin to skin contact at birth is a factor affecting the separation time of the placenta without disturbing the balance between birth hormones. Health professionals should be informed and awareness about skin to skin contact should be increased in the early postpartum period. Health care providers working in the delivery room, namely midwives, nurses and doctors should be aware of the many advantages of skin to skin contact immediately after birth in low risk deliveries. Additional advantage of rapid detachment of the placenta without changing equilibrium of birth hormones should be kept in mind as well.