Timing of umbilical cord clamping: New thoughts on an old discussion

Abstract

The optimal time to clamp the umbilical cord in preterm and full-term neonates after birth continues to be a matter of debate. A review of randomised controlled trials comparing the effects of early versus late cord clamping on maternal and infant outcomes was performed to assess data in favor of immediate or delayed clamping. Although there is no conclusive evidence, delayed cord clamping seems to be beneficial in preterm and full-term neonates without compromising the initial postpartum adaptation phase or affecting the mother in the short term. However, further randomised clinical studies are needed to confirm the benefits of delayed cord clamping.

Keywords:

• Umbilical cord
• delivery
• obstetric/methods
• time factors
• infant
• newborn
• hematocrit
• bilirubin/blood

Acknowledgements

We thank Marta Pulido, MD, for editing the manuscript and editorial assistance.