Mode of Delivery and Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants

Advances in obstetrical and neonatal care have allowed for increased survival rates in babies born at extremely premature gestational ages. However, extreme prematurity brings its own set of issues and problems. One of these issues is intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Intraventricular hemorrhage is not simply a neonatology issue, but is something that all obstetrical providers should be familiar with. Does the mode of delivery impact the rates of intraventricular hemorrhage for extremely preterm vertex babies? Do corticosteroids help reduce the rate of IVH? And at what gestational age is umbilical cord milking not associated with the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (Nov 2023 Data)? In this episode, we will do a deep dive into the pathogenesis and behavior of IVH and discuss common obstetrical interventions that may mitigate its occurrence. We will also discuss how magnesium sulfate works for fetal neuroprotection and discuss the importance of neonatal vitamin K administration in extremely pre-term neonates.