Skin-to-Skin Contact for Premature Birth

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+3 other locations

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Norwegian University of Science and Technology

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The aim of the study is to investigate physiological response, social/emotional response and general movements in preterm infants when they are given skin-to-skin contact with the mother (intervention) or standard care (incubator) right after delivery. Preterm infants will be randomized to either intervention or standard care group. Data on body temperature, blood glucose, hart rate, respiration rate and oxygen saturation will be obtained. In addition the infant will be video-recorded during the first 24 hours and at three months of age for analysis of the general movements.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for preterm infants born between 28-32 weeks of gestation. It's not suitable for those needing immediate medical interventions after birth.

Inclusion Criteria

My baby was born between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Exclusion Criteria

My infant requires immediate medical care.

Participant Groups

The study compares the effects of skin-to-skin contact with standard care in an incubator on preterm infants' physiological and emotional responses, as well as their general movements.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: skin-to-skinExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

immediately after birth the baby is laid on mother's chest for as long as justifiable medically to max 2 hours.

Group II: standard careActive Control1 Intervention

after birth the baby is transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit