What is the purpose of delayed cord clamping in term and preterm infants?

What is the purpose of delayed cord clamping in term and preterm infants?

• A. Delayed cord clamping allows placental transfusion, improving iron stores and circulating volume.
• B. Delayed cord clamping reduces infection risk.
• C. Delayed cord clamping stops bleeding.
• D. Delayed cord clamping shortens birth time.

Answer: (A)

Delaying cord clamping works by allowing placental transfusion. When the cord is clamped after a short delay, blood continues to flow from the placenta into the newborn, increasing the baby’s blood volume and hemoglobin. That extra blood provides more iron stores, which helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia as the infant grows, and it supports better oxygen delivery and circulatory stability right after birth. These benefits apply to both term and preterm babies, with additional advantages seen in preterm infants, such as reduced transfusion needs and improved outcomes. It isn’t primarily about reducing infection risk, stopping bleeding, or shortening the birth process.

Delaying cord clamping works by allowing placental transfusion. When the cord is clamped after a short delay, blood continues to flow from the placenta into the newborn, increasing the baby’s blood volume and hemoglobin. That extra blood provides more iron stores, which helps prevent iron-deficiency anemia as the infant grows, and it supports better oxygen delivery and circulatory stability right after birth. These benefits apply to both term and preterm babies, with additional advantages seen in preterm infants, such as reduced transfusion needs and improved outcomes. It isn’t primarily about reducing infection risk, stopping bleeding, or shortening the birth process.