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Podcast: Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN Clinical Pearls
Episode: Umbilical Cord Gases: What, Why, When?
Description: In 1958, James et al. first described umbilical cord blood gas analysis to evaluate the fetus's metabolic condition at the time of delivery. It's recommended by both the British and American Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology for all high-risk deliveries. Cord blood gas provides the most accurate and objective evidence of fetal acidosis at the time of birth. Still, there is no universal agreement on when to perform umbilical artery gas analysis, or cord gas, for babies. Some suggest that all babies should have their umbilical artery and vein sampled immediately after birth, while others recommend only sending a sample...