Why do doctors not delay cord clamping?

Bilirubin can be harmful for the developing brain. The extra blood provided by delayed cord clamping can increase jaundice levels in babies because some develop problems with bilirubin. So delayed cord clamping may slightly increase the number of babies that need phototherapy treatment (also known as “bili lights”).

1. It decreases the risk of anemia
“For full-term babies, delayed cord clamping increases the baby’s blood volume and iron stores,” Barnes says. “Because iron is poorly transferred into breast milk, this extra iron helps prevent anemia.”

Anemia is a condition characterized by low red blood cell volume. Increased red blood cell count can lead to better development as the baby grows.

2. The benefits are even greater for preterm babies
Babies born prematurely are at risk for serious health problems, and an extra boost of healthy blood from the umbilical cord can help lower that risk.

According to Barnes, delayed cord clamping in preterm babies has been shown to decrease the number of needed blood transfusions and reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (a severe complication involving the intestines of a preterm baby) and interventricular hemorrhage (a bleed in the baby’s brain that can cause lifelong neurologic problems).

3. It can be performed with a C-section
Because cord clamping can take place after the placenta has been removed from the mother’s uterus, there is no added risk to the mother or child to delay cord clamping after a cesarean birth.

“Since the operating rooms are often quite chilly, special attention needs to be paid to ensure that the babies stay warm,” Barnes says.

4. It’s a very safe procedure
There are very few risks associated with delayed cord clamping for healthy mothers and babies.

“The main risk to delayed cord clamping is that the increased blood volume may result in jaundice,” Barnes says. “Because all babies are monitored for jaundice, this is a complication that we would be able to detect.”

Treatment for jaundice involves placing the baby under a light that helps break down excess bilirubin in the blood.