What Is Delayed Cord Clamping?
Delayed cord clamping allows blood to continue flowing from the placenta to the baby for a short time after birth, which can provide important benefits during the baby’s transition to life outside the womb. Key Takeaways About Delayed Cord Clamping If you have been preparing for your baby’s birth, you may have heard your midwife delayed cord clamping. You may also have questions about what it actually means, how long you wait, and whether it is safe. Waiting briefly to clamp the cord is a simple practice that gives your baby additional time to receive blood from the placenta after birth. It is now recommended by several major medical organizations for most healthy newborns, although the exact timing can depend on the circumstances of the birth. What Happens During Delayed Cord Clamping? After your baby is born, blood can continue moving between the placenta and your baby through the umbilical cord. Waiting before clamping the cord allows this process, known as placental transfusion, to continue. Instead of clamping the cord immediately, the healthcare team waits for a period of time before placing the clamps and cutting the cord. During that time, your baby can often be placed directly on your chest for skin-to-skin contact while the cord remains attached. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends delayed cord clamping for at least 30 to 60 seconds after birth for most vigorous term and preterm babies. Why Is Delayed Cord Clamping Beneficial? The biggest benefit is that your baby receives additional blood from the placenta during the first moments after birth. This extra blood can increase the baby’s blood volume and hemoglobin levels. It also provides additional iron, which can help support the baby’s iron stores during the first several months of life. For premature babies, the benefits can be particularly important. Research has associated delayed cord clamping in preterm infants with better circulation after birth, a reduced need for blood transfusions, and lower rates of certain serious complications. The World Health Organization recommends delaying cord clamping for at least one minute after birth for improved maternal and newborn health outcomes. How Long Is the Cord Left Unclamped? There is not one universal amount of time that applies to every birth. ACOG recommends at least 30 to 60 seconds for most vigorous term and preterm infants. The World Health Organization recommends waiting at least one minute, and some professional organizations support waiting longer when circumstances allow. Your healthcare provider may consider factors such as your baby’s condition, your health, the condition of the placenta and umbilical cord, and whether either of you needs immediate medical attention. In other words, delaying cord clamping is not necessarily about watching a clock. The care team considers what is safest for both mother and baby. Can You Have Skin-to-Skin Contact During Delayed Cord Clamping? Often, yes. Delayed cord clamping does not necessarily mean your baby has to be taken away from you while you wait. ACOG notes that immediate skin-to-skin contact can be appropriate while the cord remains attached. For many families, this means the first moments after birth can include your baby resting on your chest while the placenta continues providing blood through the umbilical cord. Does Delayed Cord Clamping Affect the Mother? Delayed cord clamping is primarily intended to benefit the newborn, but research has also looked at whether waiting to clamp the cord affects the mother. Current evidence does not show that delayed cord clamping increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage or significantly increases blood loss during delivery. However, there are situations in which the mother’s health takes priority and immediate cord clamping may be necessary. For example, if there is significant maternal bleeding or maternal instability, the healthcare team may need to act quickly. Does Delayed Cord Clamping Increase the Risk of Jaundice? There is a small increase in the likelihood of jaundice requiring phototherapy among term infants who have delayed cord clamping. This does not mean delayed cord clamping should be avoided. Instead, newborns should be monitored for jaundice as part of routine newborn care. Your baby’s healthcare team can check for signs of jaundice and provide treatment if necessary. Are There Situations When Delayed Cord Clamping Is Not Recommended? Delaying cord clamping is recommended for most babies, but it is not appropriate in every situation. Immediate clamping may be necessary if: The decision should be based on the health of both mother and baby rather than simply following a predetermined birth plan. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ updated 2026 guidance also emphasizes that clinical judgment is important and that immediate clamping may sometimes be necessary to protect the health of the mother or baby. What About Delayed Cord Clamping With a C-Section? Delayed cord clamping can also be performed during some cesarean births. The logistics are different because of the surgical setting, but the baby may be positioned on the mother’s abdomen or held close to the level of the placenta while the cord remains attached. Whether it is possible depends on the circumstances of the birth and the health of the mother and baby. If delayed cord clamping is important to you, talk with your provider before delivery so you understand how your hospital or birth team handles it during cesarean births. What About Premature Babies? Delayed cord clamping can be especially valuable for premature babies. Preterm infants are more vulnerable to problems with circulation, anemia, and other complications after birth. Research has found several benefits associated with delayed cord clamping in preterm infants, including improved transitional circulation and a reduced need for blood transfusions. Because premature babies may also need immediate medical support, the neonatal and obstetric teams must balance the benefits of waiting with the baby’s condition at birth. Can Delayed Cord Clamping Be Part of a Birth Plan? Absolutely. If you would like delayed cord clamping, discuss it with your midwife or OB/GYN before labor. You can include your preference in your birth plan and ask how the practice handles