Evaluating the Link between Cord Gas Parameters and Apgar Scores in High-Risk Pregnancies: Insights from a One-Year Study in Qatar

Abstract This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the correlation between umbilical cord pH and Apgar scores in high-risk pregnant mothers, focusing on the neonatal outcomes at one and five minutes post-birth. Conducted from January to December 2015 at Women's Hospital Doha, Qatar, the study included 1,057 high-risk mother-fetal pairs who underwent vaginal deliveries. Key variables were analyzed using JMP (v8) statistics software, with a statistically significant p-value defined as < 0.05. Results indicated that low birth weight, smaller gestational age, and lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes significantly increased the risk of admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The study found a significant correlation between cord gas values and the 1-minute Apgar score; however, the 5-minute Apgar score was not significantly affected by cord gas values. In conclusion, cord blood gas analysis provides valuable information on fetal metabolic conditions at birth, with umbilical cord pH demonstrating a correlation with Apgar scores in high-risk pregnancies.