Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping

Delayed umbilical cord clamping after birth is a process that allows placental transfusion of warm, oxygenated blood to flow passively into the newborn. Benefits include, but are not limited to, increased hemoglobin levels and improved iron stores in the first several months of life. Delayed umbilical cord clamping provides preterm infants with additional benefits including favorable effects on developmental outcomes.

Approximately 100 milliliters of blood transfers from the placenta to the newborn in the first three minutes of birth. Up to 90% of that blood volume transfer is achieved within the first few breaths in a healthy term infant. However, excessive placental transfusion can potentially increase the risk of jaundice requiring phototherapy. Therefore, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a delay in umbilical cord clamping for 30-60 seconds after birth in vigorous term and preterm infants.

Volume of transfusion is not position dependent and immediate skin-to-skin care is appropriate while awaiting cord clamping. Cesarean births are also candidates for delayed cord clamping.

Cord clamping should not delay timely neonatal or maternal resuscitation efforts, if needed.

Delayed umbilical cord clamping has become routine practice for most Labor and Delivery units and delivering providers. Be sure to discuss any further questions you may have regarding delayed umbilical cord clamping with your medical provider.

Author

Alexandra Otto, MD, FACOG Alex Otto, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified OB/GYN who joined Premier OB-GYN – which has locations in Maitland, Oviedo, Lake Mary and Winter Park, Florida – in 2024. Born and raised in Orlando, Dr. Otto fulfilled her dream of returning home to serve the community that shaped her. She has a passion for women’s health and strives to provide exceptional medical care throughout all stages of life. Dr. Otto obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology from Georgia Southern University, where she was an NCAA student-athlete. She attended medical school at Ross University School of Medicine and completed her OB/GYN residency at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia. Her interests include minimally invasive surgery, obstetrical care, mental health, and the female athlete. Dr. Otto is married to her husband, Nate, and has a daughter, Skylar, who is the light of her life! In her free time, Dr. Otto can be found at a local coffee shop, working out, or spending time with family in New Smyrna Beach.

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