The Lancet study suggests that delaying the clamping of the umbilical cord in premature babies could potentially reduce the risk of death by half

Delaying clamping of the umbilical cord for premature babies by at least two minutes after birth seems to significantly reduce the risk of death by over half, compared to immediate clamping or shorter delays, according to recent studies published in The Lancet. These studies involved over 100 researchers who analyzed data from more than 60 studies and 9,000 premature babies.By allowing the flow of blood from the placenta to the baby while their lungs fill with air, delayed cord clamping eases the transition to breathing, potentially saving lives. Dr. Anna Lene Seidler from the University of Sydney notes that these findings offer strong evidence supporting delayed cord clamping to save premature babies, a practice already recommended for full-term babies.

Previous practices involved immediate cord clamping for premature babies to facilitate urgent medical care, but recent research shows that waiting, ideally for 30 seconds or more, can reduce the risk of death by a third in premature infants.

Another study involving 6,094 babies suggests that waiting at least two minutes before clamping the cord further decreases the risk of death in premature babies compared to shorter delays. The probability of waiting two or more minutes being the best approach to prevent death shortly after birth was notably high, around 91 percent.

However, the research also underscores situations that require further investigation, such as cases where immediate resuscitation is necessary or in settings with limited medical resources. These scenarios might necessitate different approaches to cord clamping.

Overall, while delayed cord clamping appears highly beneficial for premature infants, more research is necessary to delineate specific circumstances where alternative practices might be more suitable.