CORD CLAMPING Meaning and
Definition
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Cord clamping is a medical procedure performed shortly after childbirth, involving the cutting and clamping of the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is the flexible tube-like structure connecting a baby in the womb to its mother's placenta, allowing for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste removal during pregnancy. Cord clamping is typically conducted within a few minutes after birth, following the delivery of the baby, placenta, and the completion of immediate medical interventions, such as drying and stimulating the newborn.
During cord clamping, a specially designed clamp or clip is applied to the cord, effectively sealing it off from the baby's body. This procedure is performed to separate the baby from the placenta and to prevent excessive bleeding from the cord's vessels. Cord clamping also signifies the formal separation of the baby's circulatory system from that of the mother. Once the cord is clamped, it is safely cut, creating a permanent separation between the baby and the placenta.
The timing of cord clamping can vary depending on personal preferences and medical protocols. In many cases, cord clamping is usually conducted between 30 seconds to 3 minutes after birth. However, there is ongoing debate and emerging evidence supporting delayed cord clamping, where the procedure is postponed for several minutes after birth to allow for additional blood transfer from the placenta to the baby. This may provide potential benefits such as increased iron stores, better blood volume, and improved outcomes for the newborn.
