Draining the umbilical cord after birth to lower postpartum bleeding
Official title: Relationship Between Umbilical Cord Drainage and Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Randomized Single-Blind Clinical Trial.
Run by Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras · NCT07401160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether draining blood from the cut umbilical cord right after birth lowers heavy bleeding after delivery in women having a term vaginal birth.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 49 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán Department and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07401160 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Pregnant women aged 18–49 with a singleton term pregnancy (≥37 weeks), cephalic presentation, active labor and a plan for vaginal delivery who can give informed consent are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients having a cesarean or instrumental delivery, those with severe anemia, known bleeding disorders, on anticoagulants, non‑cephalic presentations, or other exclusion conditions would not be expected to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a single-blind, parallel-group superiority trial comparing passive umbilical cord drainage immediately after cord clamping versus standard active management of the third stage of labor without drainage. In the intervention arm blood allowed to flow from the cut cord into a calibrated drape and total postpartum blood loss is measured, while the control arm receives routine active third-stage care. Primary outcome is measured postpartum blood loss; secondary outcomes include change in hemoglobin, need for additional uterotonics or procedures, transfusion, adverse events related to cord management, and maternal birth satisfaction. The protocol plans to enroll 400 participants over about six months at hospitals in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the maneuver could reduce the frequency or severity of postpartum hemorrhage and lower the need for additional treatments like uterotonics, uterine procedures, or transfusion.
How similar studies have gone: Small trials and observational reports have examined cord drainage with mixed and inconclusive results, so the approach has limited but not definitive supporting evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant women aged 18-49 years. * Singleton pregnancy. * Gestational age ≥37 weeks. * active labor with cephalic presentation. * Planned for vaginal delivery. * Capable of providing informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Planned or emergent cesarean section. * Instrumental delivery (e.g., forceps, vacuum). * Antepartum hemorrhage. * Severe anemia (Hemoglobin \<8 g/dL) or specific hematological disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease, thalassemia, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia \<100,000/µL). * Use of anticoagulant medication. * Non-cephalic fetal presentation (e.g., breech, transverse). * Refusal to participate or inability to provide informed consent.
Where it's running
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Hospital Escuela
Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán Department, Honduras Recruiting -
Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social
Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán Department, Honduras Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ricardo A Gutierrez Ramirez, MD, MSc
- Email: ricardo.gutierrez@unah.edu.hn
- Phone: +50497546940
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.