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Am J Perinatol 2017; 34(14): 1375-1381
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603733
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Management of the Third Stage of Labor: How Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping Can Affect Neonatal Outcome

Mitchell J. Kresch
1   Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

01 February 2017

03 May 2017

Publication Date:
07 June 2017 (online)

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Abstract

This review presents the effects of delayed umbilical cord clamping on neonatal transitional physiology. The effects of delayed cord clamping on short- and long-term neonatal outcomes are then discussed. There is ample evidence over the last 50 years that delayed cord clamping in preterm infants is beneficial for both short-term and long-term outcomes. Providing ventilation in the initial steps of neonatal resuscitation prior to clamping of the umbilical cord has a physiologic basis and results in better outcomes for newborns. The challenge now is to design equipment and strategies that can allow initial resuscitation very close to the mother while the umbilical cord is still attached to the placenta.

Keywords

neonatal resuscitation - umbilical cord - transitional physiology
 

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