Delayed Cord Clamping: Benefits, Timing & What to Ask
Understanding when and why to delay umbilical cord clamping after birth, and how it affects your baby's health.
What Is Delayed Cord Clamping?
Delayed cord clamping (DCC) means waiting to clamp and cut the umbilical cord after birth, rather than doing so immediately. During this time, blood continues to transfer from the placenta to the baby.
Typically, delayed cord clamping means waiting 30-60 seconds to 2-3 minutes after birth before clamping the cord. Some parents request "optimal cord clamping" (waiting until the cord stops pulsating, which can take 3-5 minutes or longer).
What Hospitals Typically Do
As of 2017, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends delayed cord clamping for at least 30-60 seconds for all healthy newborns. Many hospitals have adopted this as standard practice.
However, practices still vary. Some providers may clamp immediately out of habit, especially during busy deliveries or if there are concerns about the baby or mother. It's important to include your preference in your birth plan.
For premature babies, ACOG recommends waiting at least 30-60 seconds unless immediate resuscitation is needed.
Benefits of Delayed Cord Clamping
For Full-Term Babies
- Increased iron stores: Babies receive 80-100mL of blood, which increases iron stores and reduces anemia risk in the first year of life
- Higher hemoglobin levels: Better oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood
- Improved blood volume: Approximately 30% more blood volume transferred to baby
- Stem cell transfer: Placental blood contains valuable stem cells that support immune development
- Developmental benefits: Some studies suggest improved fine motor and social skills at age 4
For Premature Babies
- Reduced need for blood transfusions
- Lower risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
- Decreased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (serious intestinal condition)
- Better transition to breathing
Timing Options
Immediate Clamping (less than 30 seconds)
The cord is clamped and cut within 10-15 seconds of birth. This was standard practice for decades but is now only recommended in specific medical situations.
When it might be necessary: Severe maternal bleeding, placental abruption, or if baby needs immediate resuscitation.
Standard Delayed Clamping (30-60 seconds)
The minimum recommended delay by ACOG. Provides most of the benefits while being practical for hospital workflows.
Most common practice at hospitals that follow current guidelines.
Extended Delay (1-3 minutes)
Allows more complete blood transfer. Some research suggests additional benefits beyond the 30-60 second minimum.
Easily accommodated if requested in your birth plan.
Optimal/Physiological Clamping (until pulsation stops)
Waiting until the cord stops pulsating (usually 3-10 minutes). This allows maximum blood transfer but may not always be practical in hospital settings.
More common in home births or birth center settings.
When Delayed Clamping Might Not Be Recommended
Medical Situations
- Baby needs immediate resuscitation or medical attention
- Severe maternal bleeding or placental complications
- Placenta previa or placental abruption
- Abnormal fetal heart rate requiring immediate intervention
What About Jaundice?
A common concern is that delayed cord clamping increases the risk of newborn jaundice (yellowing of the skin due to bilirubin buildup). Research shows a small increase in jaundice requiring phototherapy (light treatment), but the overall risk is still low and considered acceptable given the benefits.
The increased risk is approximately 2% compared to immediate clamping. Most cases of jaundice are mild and resolve with phototherapy.
Delayed Clamping vs. Cord Blood Banking
If you're planning to bank your baby's cord blood (for private storage or donation), you'll need to discuss timing with your provider. Delayed cord clamping reduces the volume of blood available for collection.
Some evidence suggests that a 30-60 second delay may still allow adequate collection, but longer delays (2-3+ minutes) significantly reduce the amount of cord blood that can be collected.
Consider: The immediate health benefits of delayed cord clamping are well-established, while the future benefit of cord blood banking is uncertain (cord blood is rarely used). Discuss your priorities with your provider.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
- What is your standard practice for cord clamping timing?
- Can we delay cord clamping for at least 60 seconds (or longer) if there are no complications?
- Will delayed cord clamping be honored during a cesarean section?
- If the baby needs medical attention, can the cord be clamped bedside while receiving care?
- How do you balance delayed clamping with cord blood banking if we choose both?
- Will the baby be placed on my chest during the delay, or held at a different level?
- What would cause you to clamp the cord immediately instead of waiting?
Want Deeper Research on Birth Decisions?
Our comprehensive Birth Decision Research Guide includes peer-reviewed studies, comparison charts, and evidence-based information on delayed cord clamping and 15+ other birth decisions.
Includes lifetime updates and citations from medical journals
Ready to Create Your Birth Plan?
Document your cord clamping preferences and 20+ other birth decisions in a beautiful, professional PDF to share with your care team.
Start My Free Birth PlanMedical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Delayed cord clamping is recommended by ACOG for healthy newborns, but individual circumstances vary. Always discuss your specific situation with your healthcare provider.