The Effect of Using Heated IV Fluids With Underbody Warmers on Maternal and Neonatal Well-Being in Cesarean Delivery Operations: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study evaluated the effects of underbody warming and heated IV fluids on maternal and neonatal outcomes during cesarean delivery. In a university hospital, 105 pregnant patients were randomized into three groups that dictated heating methods applied during their cesarean delivery: underbody warmer only, underbody warmer plus heated IV fluids, or passive heating with blankets. Primary outcomes were maternal and neonatal body temperatures. Secondary maternal outcomes included intraoperative blood loss, analgesic use, and time to first gas and urination. Secondary neonatal outcomes included cord blood cortisol levels, glucose levels, and Apgar scores. Neonatal temperature, Apgar scores, and maternal intraoperative temperature were significantly higher in the intervention groups. Active warming was associated with lower cortisol levels, reduced analgesic use, and faster recovery. In total, active warming improved maternal recovery and neonatal adaptation, and its routine use as a simple, safe, and effective strategy to enhance perioperative outcomes may be warranted.