The Impact of Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact Between Mother and Full-Term Newborn on Infant Growth and Development at Two Months of Age

Background and Objective

Skin-to-skin contact is an effective practice for enhancing clinical and psychological outcomes during the postpartum period. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of skin-to-skin contact on the growth and development of full-term newborns up to 2 months of age.

Methods

A total of 72 pregnant mothers who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into two groups using block randomization. The intervention group received immediate skin-to- skin contact after birth, while the control group received standard postpartum care. Growth and developmental milestones of the infants were assessed at 2 months using an infant growth assessment form, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).

Results

At 2 months, the average increase in head circumference was significantly higher in the skin-to-skin contact group (4.6 ± 1.1 cm) compared to the standard care group (4.0 ± 0.9 cm; p < 0.05). Weight gain averaged 2.7 ± 0.3 kg in the skin-to-skin group versus 2.2 ± 0.5 kg in the control group (p > 0.05). Length gain was 8.0 ± 1.7 cm in the skin-to-skin group and 8.2 ± 2.1 cm in the standard care group (p > 0.05). Developmentally, 97.2% of infants in the skin-to-skin group exhibited normal developmental status, compared to 69.4% in the standard care group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in individual developmental domains between the groups.

Conclusion

Skin-to-skin contact after birth positively influences head circumference growth and supports overall developmental status in infants at 2 months of age.