# How Delayed Cord Clamping Saves Newborn Lives

## TL;DR

Delayed cord clamping improves survival and health in preterm infants by allowing placental transfusion, which provides essential blood components and supports organ development.

## Contribution

The paper proposes three major benefits of delayed cord clamping that contribute to reduced mortality in preterm infants.

## Key findings

- A brief delay in cord clamping improves survival and well-being in preterm infants.
- Waiting at least two minutes for cord clamping is more beneficial than a shorter delay.
- Early cord clamping may harm newborns by denying them iron-rich blood cells and stem cells.

## Abstract

Interest in the subject of umbilical cord clamping is long-standing. New evidence reveals that placental transfusion, facilitated by delayed cord clamping (DCC), reduces death and need for blood transfusions for preterm infants without evidence of harm. Even a brief delay in clamping the cord shows improved survival and well-being, but waiting at least two minutes is even better. We propose that three major benefits from DCC contribute to reduced mortality of preterm infants: (1) benefits from the components of blood; (2) assistance from the continued circulation of blood; and (3) the essential mechanical interactions that result from the enhanced volume of blood. The enhanced blood volume generates mechanical forces within the microcirculation that support the newborn’s metabolic and cardiovascular stability and secure short- and long-term organ health. Several unique processes prime preterm and term newborns to receive the full placental transfusion, not to be misinterpreted as extra blood or over-transfusion. Disrupting cord circulation before the newborn’s lung capillary bed has been fully recruited and the lungs can replace the placenta as a respiratory, gas-exchanging organ may be harmful. Early cord clamping also denies the newborn a full quota of iron-rich red blood cells as well as valuable stem cells for regeneration, repair, and seeding of a strong immune system. We propose that delayed cord clamping and intact-cord stabilization have the potential to save lives by protecting many neonates from hypovolemia, inflammation, and ischemia.