Guest Blog
Linh Dan Nguyen, MD is an OB-GYN located in Fountain Valley, California. She is passionate about helping women improve and maintain their health throughout all changes in life. Dr. Nguyen earned a bachelor’s degree in psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before completing her medical degree at the University of Southern California (USC) Medical School. She served her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at UC-Irvine Medical Center. When she is not practicing medicine, Dr. Nguyen is an avid runner and has completed marathons throughout California. She is raising her two sons with her husband Michael and enjoys family activities with her siblings and 18 nieces and nephews.
When you’re having a baby, you want to do everything in your power to be prepared. This means doing thorough research and being well-educated on what your options are. As a new parent, you’ll have many baby-related decisions to make – especially when it comes to labor and delivery. One of these decisions might include the option of delayed cord clamping.
What is delayed cord clamping?
Delayed cord clamping is the practice of prolonging the amount of time before the umbilical cord is clamped after the baby is delivered. It allows the placenta to continue transferring blood, oxygen, stem cells, immunoglobulins, and nutrients to the baby after birth until they stabilize and become accustomed to being outside of the womb. The allotted time to wait before clamping the cord after birth when doing delayed cord clamping can range from 30 seconds up to 10 minutes. Early clamping is defined as clamping of the cord within 1 minute of birth, whereas late clamping doesn’t occur until more than 5 minutes after birth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends a delay of at least 30-60 seconds after birth in vigorous term and preterm infants.
Why would you delay cord clamping?
One reason why people delay cord clamping is that it increases hemoglobin levels, also known as red blood cell levels, which improves the storage of iron in newborns in their first several months of life. Iron deficiency in infants has been linked to impaired cognitive, motor, and behavioral development. Delayed cord clamping also improves transitional blood circulation and creates a better establishment of red blood cell volume, decreasing the need for a blood transfusion after birth. Additionally, it allows for the transfer of more immunoglobulins and stem cells to the baby that is beneficial in the repair of cellular injury, inflammation, and organ dysfunction.
Given the benefits to most newborns, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the World Health Organization, and other professional organizations fully endorse the practice of delayed cord clamping.
Can I bank cord blood if I choose delayed cord clamping?
For parents considering cord blood banking, this is a common question many have. The answer is yes. While the timing of umbilical cord clamping is a personal decision, it should be discussed with your OB or midwife.
The cord blood collection process begins immediately after the cord is clamped and cut – whenever that may be. Be sure to talk to your doctor or midwife to ensure as much cord blood is collected as possible after clamping. For more information, read our blog on cord blood and delayed cord clamping.
Disclaimer: PerkinElmer and ViaCord do not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medications or treatment. All information is provided for informational purposes only.
Resources:
1. ACOG Clinical. Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping After Birth. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/01/delayed-umbilical-cord-clamping-after-birth
