Fetal Assessment of the Myocardium and Evaluation of the Neonate

"At the designated time for cord clamping as per clinical indication, a 10 cm segment of the umbilical cord will be double-clamped and 5 ml of preferably arterial blood will be obtained.~In infants brought to the resuscitation table, six ECG electrodes will be placed on the skin and cardiac output will be measured with a hemodynamic monitor (PhysioFlow®) for at least 10 min, or until the end of resuscitation/stabilization."

Arterial blood gases will be drawn from a radial artery line and analyzed at the end of a contraction at pre-specified time points during labor.

Amniotic fluid will be collected (2mL) and analyzed at pre-specified time points after rupture of the membranes.