When should the umbilical cord be clamped and cut after delivery?

Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord typically occurs after a brief delay of 1-2 minutes following delivery. This practice allows for the benefits of placental transfusion, in which blood from the placenta continues to flow to the newborn, providing important nutrients and red blood cells that can support the infant’s transition to life outside the womb. Delaying clamping until this time can help improve hemoglobin levels and reduce the risk of certain complications, including iron deficiency anemia.

Clamping immediately after birth, while common in some settings, does not afford these advantages; it limits the blood volume transferred to the baby. Additionally, clamping after the placenta is delivered would be inappropriate as it can lead to unnecessary delays in providing the newborn the benefits of that transfusion. Lastly, the suggestion that clamping should not occur before the baby cries focuses more on the emotional aspect of neonatal transition rather than on physiological benefits, hence it does not align with the recommended timing for cord clamping based on current medical guidelines.