Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2023-12-28 Origin: Site
Clamping and cutting a baby's umbilical cord immediately after birth may be detrimental to the infant's health, contrary to recommended guidelines. While the World Health Organization advises delaying cord clamping for two to three minutes, and the UK's NICE recommends not clamping earlier than one minute post-birth, a significant number of cases deviate from these guidelines.
According to a survey of 3,500 parents in the UK (2015-2017), 31% reported their baby's cord was clamped in less than a minute, with one in five experiencing immediate cord cutting.
Understanding the Umbilical Cord's Role:
The umbilical cord comprises a vein and two arteries surrounded by Wharton's jelly. Throughout pregnancy, the cord carries oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the baby from the placenta, establishing an independent blood supply for the baby.
Delayed Clamping Benefits:
Optimal Blood Return: Allowing the cord to pulsate returns the baby's blood, preventing oxygen deprivation and potential harm during a critical transition.
Iron-Deficiency Prevention: Early cord clamping may lead to a 30% risk of iron-deficient anaemia in babies, impacting brain and overall functioning.
Reduced Health Risks: Delayed clamping contributes to a lowered lifetime risk of chronic lung disease, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, infections, and abnormal tissue growth.
Enhanced Sociability: Babies with delayed clamping exhibit increased sociability and improved behavior at age four.
Improved Birth Weights:Delayed clamping is associated with higher birth weights compared to immediate clamping.
Highlighting the Risks:
Immediate cord clamping disrupts the natural birth process and can deprive babies of essential blood and stem cells, potentially causing harm. Waiting until the cord is emptied of blood before clamping aligns with best practices, ensuring newborns receive the full spectrum of benefits for their health and development.
In conclusion, recognizing the critical role of delayed umbilical cord clamping is vital for promoting optimal health outcomes and ensuring a seamless transition for newborns into the world. This simple practice aligns with established guidelines and contributes to a healthier start for infants.
