Science | Baby | Medical Research
Two and Half Minutes to Cord Clamping
Lancet study on neonatal mortality reduction
The new research findings suggest that we may be in the cusp of new international treatment recommendations. Those findings cater to the survival of new-born babies.
Usually in the present medical practices, the umbilical cords of the new-born babies are immediately clamped and snapped for necessary medical attention. However, the recent meta-analysis suggests that we are too quick to snap the cord preventing the necessary supply of oxygen and antibody-rich blood to the infant.
The study includes randomized controlled trials in excess of 10000 preterm births in various countries. The published results in the Lancet suggest that at least a wait of two and half minutes to clamp the cord can enhance the survival of the infant significantly.
This also agreed by Jessica Illuzzi, an expert from Yale School of Medicine. As a matter of fact one million of the premature babies die in a year globally.
Having said that, certain scenarios of child birth still may need immediate clamping of the cord if there exists any visible health issues to the infant or its mother. Nonetheless it is a welcome change.
Therefore it will take some time to develop the updated version of the standard operating procedures. If we can annually save at least half a million of those dying babies, that would be a great achievement in medical practices.
Thanks for reading.
