newborn heart rate - why auscultate at the junction of the umbilical cord & skin?

[GingerSue]

I'm reading about rating the newborn at 1 minute after birth aand again at 5 minutes, and the textbook says that the heart rate is auscultated or palpated at the junction of the umbilical cord and skin.

Why is this site used rather than the apical rate?

[MemphisOBRNC, BSN, RN]

I have never heard of auscultation at the junction, either. I must say I'll

have to try it (I'll try just about anything once; twice if I like it )

[SmilingBluEyes]

I think auscultating the apex is essential. How are we to hear abnormal heart sounds by palpating the cord? I listen to the baby as soon as he/she is out-----I guess this is just how I was educated to receive babies way back when. I only do the cord palpation if I can't get to the apex right away to hear how the heart really sounds. If the babe is pink and looking good, I put him/her on mom's chest and listen. They seem to calm down right away and make listening to heart and lung sounds VERY EASY--and skin-to-skin right after birth is best anyhow.

We all just do things differently everywhere I suppose...