Benefits of Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping
Delayed umbilical cord clamping increases hemoglobin levels at birth and improves iron stores in the first several months of life which may have a favorable effect on developmental outcomes.
Delayed umbilical cord clamping is associated with significant neonatal benefits in preterm infants, including improved transitional circulation, better establishment of red blood cell volume, decreased need for blood transfusion, and lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage.
Given the benefits to most newborns and concordant with other professional organizations, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a delay in umbilical cord clamping in vigorous term and preterm infants for at least 30–60 seconds after birth.
There is a small increase in the incidence of jaundice that requires phototherapy in term infants undergoing delayed umbilical cord clamping. However there are mechanisms are in place to monitor and treat neonatal jaundice in the postpartum period.
Delayed umbilical cord clamping does not increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Delayed umbilical cord clamping can also be done in conjunction with cord blood collection
Dr. Tiffany Stadnick, MD
Dr. Tiffany Stadnick is an an OB/GYN at North Scottsdale Women's Health. She practices obstetrics and gynecology. She is proud to deliver at Honor Health Shea. She enjoys creating meaningful lifelong relationships with her patients. She believes it is a true honor to deliver babies helping grow families in and around Scottsdale. In addition, she specializes in up to date minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. While not in the office or delivering babies, she enjoys spending time with her two young sons and her husband. She enjoys traveling, exploring the culinary delights both locally and abroad, working out, volunteering, shopping and learning to play golf.
