Umbilical cord pH levels hold clues to health of newborns

The pH levels in a baby’s umbilical cord holds clues linked to death, brain damage and the development of cerebral palsy in childhood, new research has claimed.

According to the study published in the British Medical Journal, a low pH level in an umbilical cord at birth is “strongly associated” with serious adverse events and conditions, including infant death.

The team of researchers, based in Birmingham, analysed the results of 51 studies, involving almost half a million babies.

They also suggested that their findings justify increased surveillance of babies born with a low cord pH, calling for further research to explore whether all babies should have their umbilical cord blood tested.

James Neilson, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Liverpool, said: “We should aim to reduce the number of babies born with a low cord pH, without increasing unnecessary obstetric intervention.”

He added that he hopes this can be achieved by “more hands-on input to labour ward care”.