THE INFLUENCE OF THE METHOD OF DELIVERY AND THE CLAMPING TECHNIQUE ON THE RED CELL VOLUME IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC AND NON‐DIABETIC MOTHERS

Abstract

Summary The red cell volume has been investigated in 35 infants of diabetic mothers and in 18 infants of non‐diabetic mothers. It is shown that not only the clamping technique but also, the method of delivery has an influence on the red cell volume of the infant. Thus the red cell volume is less in infants delivered vaginally with early clamping, compared with infants delivered by caesarean section with early clamping. These findings support the theory that during vaginal delivery a temporary change in It is suggested that IDM during vaginal delivery with early clamping deposit more blood in the placenta than do the non‐IDM, since we found a smaller red cell volume per kg the distrfbution of. the foeto‐placental blood volume between placenta and child occurs.