Skin-to-Skin Care After Birth for Moderately Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and safety of skin-to-skin care after birth for moderately preterm infants.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at the maternity wards and NICUs of three study sites in Norway.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety preterm infants born vaginally with gestational ages of 32 weeks/0 days to 34 weeks/6 days.

METHODS

Comparison of groups of preterm infants who received skin-to-skin care or conventional treatment in incubators after birth.

RESULTS

Median gestational age and birth weight were similar in the two groups: 33 weeks/5 days versus 34 weeks/3 days (p = .464) and 2,100 versus 2,010 g (p = .519). There were no differences in the first body temperature (p = .841) and blood glucose level (p = .539) between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Early skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room for moderately preterm infants may be feasible and safe.