Delayed Clamping Versus Milking of Umbilical Cord in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;220:482.e1–482.e8) Both delayed clamping and milking of the umbilical cord have separately been shown to have positive effects for neonates. Delayed clamping improves neonatal anemia, lowers the need for transfusion, lowers the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, and decreases the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage. While milking has also been associated with improved neonatal outcomes, there is a lack of studies comparing the 2 techniques. This study aimed to compare delayed clamping and umbilical cord milking in terms of effect on the initial hematocrit concentrations in preterm infants.