Timing of umbilical cord clamping of term infants.

Abstract

For at least over 200 years, multiple controversies have arisen around the timing of umbilical cord clamping. In the past decades, early cord clamping (within the first 15 seconds) had markedly prevailed. Only in the 21st century, randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the benefits of delayed cord clamping (at 2-3 minutes). Delayed cord clamping has been practiced in obstetrics based on the recommendations made by scientific societies and in systematic reviews, which have provided solid evidence to support this practice in term infants. This review describes the most relevant factors supporting the use of delayed cord clamping in term infants. It points out the essential role played by physiological mechanisms which, undoubtedly, allow us to understand the benefits of delayed cord clamping and advise us to wait for what nature has established. Other relevant aspects supporting delayed cord clamping are also described here.