![]() ![]() And although there was a slight increase in the rate of jaundice in the baby's with later clamping, the babies had less anemia several months later. So there were some randomized trials, healthy term babies were randomized to having the cord cut right away versus waiting a minute or so. However, moms and midwives we're fighting back from what they saw as a more natural approach to cutting the cord, wait a minute or two, or three, or at least until the cord stops pulsing. So until a couple years ago, it was habit to clamp and cut the cord right away. ![]() This was as much habit as anything, but there was some data that babies that had delayed cord cutting might be at higher risks of bilirubin problems - having a little jaundice after birth as a result of the extra blood. So most OBs were trained to deliver the baby and clamp and cut the cord right away. That extra blood that goes back to the baby does makes the baby's blood a little thicker, a little higher count than is found in babies a month later, but that blood also serves as extra iron stores for the baby to make its red blood cells while it's nursing, as breast milk is low in iron. This happens to babies born all over the world without a birth attendant, without a clamp and some scissors, and it happens in other mammals, in dogs and cats. Then the umbilical cord stops pulsing and clamps down. Eventually, some of the blood on the baby's side comes back to the baby about 80 to 100 cc or three ounces. Immediately after the baby is born, before its starts to take its first breath and really get his lungs going, the blood is still pumping on the baby's side of the placenta. The blood isn't directly mixed but goodies are exchanged. The mom pumps her blood through her side of the placenta and the baby's hearts pumps blood through its side of the placenta. The reason of placenta is there for all of us mammals is to provide oxygen and nutrients from the mom to the baby. But when do you cut the cord? This has actually been of some debate over the years, cut immediately, cut in a minute, cut in five minutes, why does it matter? And what's best for the baby?įirst of all, the placenta is two pools of blood in it, pumped by two hearts. Of course after the birth of a baby we want to get the baby dried off, and warm, and in the arms of the mom, skin to skin if possible. Jones: When a baby is just born it is attached by the umbilical to the placenta which is still attached to the mother's uterus. Kirtly Jones from Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Utah Health, and this is The Seven Domains of Women's Health on The Scope.Īnnouncer: Covering all aspects of women's health, this is The Seven Domains of Women's Health with Dr. ![]() But when should you cut the umbilical cord after the birth of a baby? This is Dr. Jones: When should you cut the cord? I'm not talking about making your adolescents independent, but that's a good topic. ![]()
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