Delayed Cord Clamping in 2025: Key Benefits, Risks, and Expert Guidelines

Understanding Delayed Cord Clamping

As you prepare to welcome your baby, understanding labor and delivery options is essential. One important practice gaining attention is delayed cord clamping, where the umbilical cord is clamped and cut between one to three minutes after birth, rather than immediately.

While most U.S. hospitals traditionally clamp the cord within 10 to 15 seconds after birth, delayed clamping is making a comeback due to emerging evidence of its benefits for newborns.

Historically, before the 1950s, waiting several minutes before clamping was common, but concerns about maternal blood loss led to earlier clamping becoming standard. Recent studies, however, highlight the advantages of allowing continued blood flow from the placenta to the baby.

How Delayed Cord Clamping Works

In delayed cord clamping, the cord is clamped in two places—near the baby's navel and further along the cord—then cut between these points. This delay can range from 30 seconds up to three minutes, allowing the baby to receive additional blood volume from the placenta.

Previously, it was thought that holding the baby at the placenta’s level was necessary to maximize blood transfer, but recent research shows that the baby’s position does not significantly affect this process. This means immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding can still occur even with delayed clamping.

Lotus Birth vs. Delayed Cord Clamping

Unlike delayed clamping, lotus birth involves leaving the umbilical cord uncut until it naturally detaches along with the placenta, which can take several days. This is a distinct practice with different considerations.

Benefits of Delayed Cord Clamping

Delayed cord clamping offers significant benefits, especially for premature infants, including improved iron stores and hemoglobin levels, which reduce anemia risk. Full-term babies also benefit, with studies showing enhanced motor and social development at age four.

For preterm babies, delayed clamping reduces the need for blood transfusions, improves circulation, and lowers risks of brain bleeding and serious intestinal conditions.

Potential Risks to Consider

While delayed clamping is generally safe, it has been linked to a slightly increased risk of jaundice, which can be effectively managed with phototherapy. Importantly, it does not increase the risk of excessive maternal bleeding.

Delayed clamping is feasible for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries, including twin births, without added risks. Immediate clamping remains necessary in emergencies such as heavy bleeding or if the baby requires urgent care.

Expert Recommendations for 2024

The World Health Organization advises delaying cord clamping for one to three minutes, while the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a delay of 30 to 60 seconds for healthy newborns.

Since early clamping is still common in many hospitals, discuss your preference for delayed clamping with your healthcare provider and include it in your birth plan to ensure your wishes are respected.

Impact on Umbilical Cord Blood Banking

If you plan to bank your baby's cord blood for stem cell preservation, note that delaying clamping reduces the volume of blood that can be collected. However, collecting cord blood remains possible if clamping occurs within 30 to 60 seconds after birth.

Consult your care team to balance delayed clamping with cord blood banking options that suit your priorities.

Final Thoughts

Current research supports delayed cord clamping as a safe and beneficial practice for most mothers and babies. Communicate your preferences clearly with your healthcare team to make informed decisions that align with your birth plan and baby's health.

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