Effect of Supplemental Maternal Oxygenation on Placental Blood pH in LSCS under Spinal Anesthesia

The use of supplemental oxygen in uncomplicated cesarean deliveries under spinal anesthesia has been thoroughly investigated during recent decades. The aim of this study was to determine whether administering supplemental oxygen via a face mask to the mother is really beneficial or not. Healthy parturients at term undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (n=15), who were allowed to breathe room air and Group O (n=15), who were supplemented with oxygen at the rate of 6liters/min via a face mask. Maternal oxygen saturation was measured continuously by using pulse oximeter. Maternal heart rate and mean arterial pressure were also recorded. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected and sent for arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA) following delivery of the infant. We found out that there was significant fall in pH of the umbilical cord blood in the Group receiving supplemental oxygen. Thus, we conclude that it is unnecessary to routinely supplement oxygen in all healthy parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia