To clamp or not to clamp late?

Abstract

When resuscitating a neonate, one encounters controversial issues and a great deal of confusion. These issues include the question as to when should the umbilical cord be clamped. Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord at birth is the oldest intervention in humans. Even though many aspects of the timing for cord clamping have been clarified, some questions still remain unanswered. If delayed cord clamping is to become a standard approach which timing is the optimal? And depending on the mode of delivery should timing be the same or different for normal vaginal delivery or for caesarean section? What about  the compromised neonate, or the very preterm one? We have more questions than answers. More randomized controlled studies are needed in normal and pathologic neonates, in order to address these questions, before we practice delayed cord clamping with safety for the babies and the mothers.