The Effect of Maternal Pulmonary Function Test Parameters on Umbilical Cord Blood Gas and the Duration of Labor

Objective To evaluate the relationship between the maternal pulmonary function test (PFT) and the Apgar score of the newborn, umbilical cord blood (UCB) gas values and the duration of delivery. Material and Methods The present study included 41 volunteer nulliparous pregnant women who presented to our obstetrics clinic and PFTs were performed by using spirometry. Results A significant positive correlation was observed between 5th-minute Apgar scores and maternal FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second) (lt), FEV1%, FVC (lt), FVC% (r=0.509, p=0.003; r=0.47, p=0.007; r=0.434, p=0.013; r=0.417, p=0.017; respectively). A significant positive correlation was observed between UCB pH value and maternal FEV1 (lt), FVC (lt) (r=0.515, p=0.003; r=0.351, p=0.049; respectively). Conclusion Our results showed that FEV1 and FVC values, which indicate maternal respiratory functions, may affect Apgar scores of the newborn and UCB gas values.