The Impact of Ambient Cesarean Room Temperature on Neonatal Morbidity

This is an open, prospective, randomized, single center trial that will address the primary research question: Does an increase in ambient operating room temperature result in a lower rate of composite neonatal morbidities? During the 1.2 year study period, the operating room temperatures on labor and delivery will be adjusted to either the current standard of care with ambient operating room temperature of 20°C (67°F), or the maximum temperature allowable per hospital policy in the current operating rooms, which is 24°C (75°F), as determined by cluster randomization. Composite neonatal morbidities will be recorded including hypoglycemia necessitating treatment; need for respiratory support within the first 24 hours; culture-proven sepsis; and mortality. Association of outcomes with the types of passive and active warming performed will include these morbidities stratified by gestational age as well as maternal outcomes. In addition, an electronic survey will be administered to the operating resident physicians to assess their experience with the study conditions.