Delayed cable clamping: what it is, benefits and risks

As a parent, your decisions can have a lasting impact on your child’s life. One of the first decisions in the delivery room is whether to opt for delayed cable clamping. In the past, many doctors cut the umbilical cord within 15 to 20 seconds of birth, but new research has led to changes in practice and guidelines.^4.12

Delayed or delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) involves waiting some time before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord. This technique allows additional blood flow from the placenta via the umbilical cord to the newborn. This simple delay can result in several early health benefits, from improved iron stores to better developmental outcomes.⁴ This article examines the science behind delayed cable clamping and highlights its potential benefits. We hope it helps you make an informed decision that can make your baby’s start in life easier.

In recent years, delayed cord clamping (DCC) has become increasingly popular in the international medical community. This method involves waiting 30 seconds to five minutes or longer after birth before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord. The extra time allows the blood in the placenta to reach the infant, resulting in numerous health benefits. The increased blood volume supports term and premature infants in the transition to life outside the womb. Babies who go through this process can have lasting benefits in the first few months of life.^4,10,11

Delayed umbilical cord clamping is safe for both mother and baby and can be performed after a vaginal birth or cesarean birth. Most healthcare facilities have policies and guidelines for caring for women in labor. It is therefore best to talk to your doctor about your situation Birth plan proactive. For example, you may want the cable to remain unclamped for five minutes or until it stops pulsing, but the setup may only allow a maximum delay of one minute. In conversation with you Doctor or midwife ensures everyone is on the same page before the big day.^3,4,8,10,11

Delaying umbilical cord clamping may not be possible if mother or child requires emergency care as saving a life becomes more important.^3,4,10,11

There is some debate about the appropriate amount of time. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend waiting at least 30-60 seconds after birth. However, other regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) recommend waiting at least one to three minutes. These guidelines apply to infants who are considered vigorous. Strong infants attempt to breathe independently, cry, and have good muscle tone (not floppy). Depending on the gestational age, a premature baby is compared to the above criteria and what is normal for his age group.^3,4,8,10,11

If you want to delay cord pinching, talk to your provider about positioning. Sometimes your baby will be placed skin to skin on your chest or stomach. However, there are times when this may not work.

In my experience as a nurse, we placed infants on their mother’s lower chest or abdomen during vaginal births. During a cesarean section, the sterile and scrubbed doctors and nurses will ease the delay if necessary. Typically, staff will place the baby on the mother’s legs or stomach, and in some cases they may need to hold the baby near the level of the placenta. A woman’s body shape and size can also affect where your baby is placed while it is still attached to the placenta. Cable clamping was typically delayed by 30-60 seconds.

A nurse stands nearby, drying your baby and watching for complications. Of course it also depends on whether you give birth at homeA Birthplace, or a hospital, as policies may not be the same everywhere. Since there are differences from country to country, always ask your doctor for clarification.

A baby’s first breath sets in motion a cascade of miraculous changes as it passes from the womb to the outside world. Keeping a baby attached to the placenta after birth allows this transition to occur more slowly while giving him a boost of nourishing, oxygenated blood. A delay of 30 seconds to a minute doesn’t seem to last long after birth. But babies’ bodies are small and delayed clamping of the umbilical cord helps increase total circulating blood volume.^4.9

An increase in blood volume leads to an increase in red blood cells from the placenta and increases hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin is part of red blood cells, and the iron in the blood then binds to oxygen from the lungs and carries it throughout the body. Iron is one of the building blocks that makes up hemoglobin. So, with more red blood cells, iron, and hemoglobin, your baby has the tools he needs to circulate oxygen to his organs more effectively.^2,4,5

Babies with low hemoglobin or iron deficiency may become weak, pale, short of breath, and have other symptoms, including stunted growth. The word “anemia” is often used to describe a lack of red blood cells. Newborns need time to naturally produce more red blood cells. Parents should understand that delayed umbilical cord clamping can help increase iron stores and potentially reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia during your baby’s first few months of growth and development.^1,5,11

Let’s look at the benefits for premature and full-term babies:

Premature babies face different medical challenges than full-term infants. Many premature babies can perform delayed umbilical cord clamping safely, and the benefits can be enormous for these fragile little ones, including:^2,4,11

• Improving blood circulation and red blood cell volume
• Reducing the need for blood transfusions
• Reducing the risk of potentially devastating complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

An intraventricular hemorrhage is a type of brain hemorrhage that can cause significant neurological problems in premature babies. Likewise, NEC is a potentially life-threatening intestinal infection. The knowledge that delayed umbilical cord clamping may reduce a preterm infant’s risk of these devastating conditions should be considered by parents who may experience a preterm birth.^4.11 In the event of a medical emergency or if the baby is too premature to delay cord clamping, the umbilical cord will likely be cut immediately so that doctors can perform life-saving measures.

Babies born at term, with or without complications, can also benefit from the health benefits. If your doctor detects possible complications before birth or during labor, a neonatologist can accompany the birth and give safe recommendations. However, typically in term infants, delayed umbilical cord clamping can improve well-being in the following ways:^1,4,5,11

• Improves the amount of oxygenated blood at birth
• Improves iron stores in the first months of life
• It can help with early brain development

Iron is important for healthy development and is needed to produce more hemoglobin as your baby grows. It’s not uncommon for pediatricians to recommend iron supplements for infants, but delaying cord clamping can improve your baby’s iron stores from the start.^1,4,5,11

One reason for clamping the umbilical cord immediately after birth was prevention postpartum hemorrhage in mothers after birth. However, research has found that women who undergo delayed umbilical cord clamping do not have an increased risk of bleeding or needing blood transfusions. The process is usually safe when performed under the supervision of a healthcare provider.⁴

Jaundice, a yellowing of the eyes and skin, is diagnosed slightly more frequently in infants with delayed umbilical cord clamping. Jaundice can be a serious condition and, in severe cases, can cause irreversible brain damage. However, such cases are rare and many babies require no treatment at all. Other children may require phototherapy or medical interventions. Your pediatrician can assess the presence of jaundice and keeping your baby’s follow-up appointments is always a priority, regardless of whether you decide to delay cord clamping. Parents should be aware of jaundice when weighing the pros and cons of delayed umbilical cord clamping.^4,6,11

Additionally, Cord blood banking Collection can be difficult because there may not be enough blood to bank.⁷ It is also possible that delayed clamping of the umbilical cord may result in hyperviscosity or “sludging” of the blood.¹³

When I started breastfeeding, no one talked about delayed umbilical cord clamping. I have cared for hundreds and probably thousands of babies and it is always fascinating when new research emerges. Delayed umbilical cord clamping can have significant lasting health benefits for babies. While this isn’t possible in every situation, it’s worth discussing with your doctor so you can make an informed decision from your baby’s first breath.