Final answer:
Delayed cord clamping has several benefits for term and preterm babies, including reduced respiratory distress, improved neurodevelopment, and a slightly higher risk of anemia and infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Delayed cord clamping, which is when the umbilical cord is not clamped and cut immediately after birth, has several benefits for both term and preterm babies:
- Reduced respiratory distress: Delayed cord clamping allows more blood to flow from the placenta to the baby, increasing the amount of oxygen available. This can help prevent respiratory distress syndrome, a common breathing disorder in premature babies.
- Improved neurodevelopment: The extra blood and iron received through delayed cord clamping can have long-term benefits for the baby's brain development and cognitive function.
- Increased risk of anemia: Delayed cord clamping can temporarily increase the risk of anemia in term babies, but this is usually not a major concern and can be easily managed through iron supplementation.
- Higher risk of infection: There is a slightly higher risk of infection with delayed cord clamping, but this can be minimized by following proper hygiene practices.