Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact among term vaginal deliveries may reduce Postpartum Hemorrhage: Study

A new study published in the International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics found that immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mothers and their newborns significantly reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) worldwide. The study was conducted at a Level IV medical center which analyzed data from 3,520 term, non-anomalous vaginal births over 2 years and demonstrated strong benefits of early SSC in reducing complications associated with PPH.

The study defined immediate SSC as at least 60 minutes of direct contact between mother and baby, initiated within 10 minutes of birth. Of the 3,520 births included in the analysis, 2,428 (55.5%) involved immediate SSC, while 1,092 (31.0%) did not. The primary outcome measured was a composite of maternal morbidities linked to PPH, including excessive blood loss, additional uterotonic use, mechanical tamponade intervention, and labor duration.

The findings revealed that mothers who engaged in immediate SSC experienced a 22% lower risk of composite PPH morbidity when compared to those who did not (adjusted relative risk 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.65–0.92). Blood loss of 1,000 mL or greater was significantly less common in the SSC group. Also, mothers with immediate SSC required fewer additional uterotonic medications and less mechanical intervention to control bleeding.

The study further highlighted that the third stage of labor, the period during which the placenta is delivered, was shorter for those who practiced SSC. However, certain outcomes like the rate of blood transfusion and hematocrit level changes after delivery showed no significant differences between the two groups.

These results underline the potential of immediate SSC as a low-cost, accessible intervention to reduce maternal complications during childbirth, particularly in resource-limited settings where advanced medical treatments for PPH may not be readily available. By promoting early maternal-infant bonding, healthcare providers can simultaneously improve maternal outcomes and enhance newborn well-being.

The findings of this study add to the growing body of evidence in supporting the physiological benefits of SSC, suggesting that beyond fostering emotional connections, this practice has tangible effects on maternal health. This research emphasized the need for increased awareness and education around the importance of immediate SSC to ensure its widespread implementation in clinical settings. Overall, this study highlights immediate SSC as a promising strategy to reduce PPH-related morbidity. 

Reference:

Wiley, R. L., Ghose, I., Canfield, D. R., Sarker, M. R., Mendez-Figueroa, H., & Chauhan, S. (2025). Immediate skin‐to‐skin contact and postpartum hemorrhagic morbidity. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics: The Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.16160