Delayed cord clamping provides benefits such as improved iron storage, enhanced neonatal circulation, better cardiovascular stability, and reduced risks associated with certain neonatal conditions. It also aids in the infant's thermoregulation by maintaining blood volume.
Delayed cord clamping in term and late term newborns offers numerous benefits. It allows for the transfusion of placental blood to the newborn, which improves iron stores and reduces the risk of iron deficiency during the first year of life. This practice contributes to a more stable transition to neonatal circulation, potentially decreasing the need for blood transfusions in preterm infants and improving cardiovascular stability.
Delayed cord clamping helps in maintaining blood volume, which supports adequate perfusion of vital organs as the neonatal system adapts to life outside the womb.
By delaying clamping until the cord stops pulsating, the newborn receives blood rich in oxygen and nutrients, enhancing neonatal outcomes by reducing risks associated with conditions such as intraventricular hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis. Additionally, nonshivering thermogenesis is improved, aiding temperature regulation. In conclusion, the practice of delaying the cord clamping can have significant health advantages for the newborn.