The umbilical cord is miracle during pregnancy supplying the baby with nutrients and oxygen. But even after birth, it continues its job and gives the newborn an extra push visible in its pulsation. Did you know that directly after birth a third of the baby’s blood remains in the placenta? This will be pumped to the baby over the next minutes. This supplies the baby with oxygen until its lungs are ready and it can breath well on its own. This process usually takes between just a few and up to 30 minutes.

A study published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal now says that delaying clamping the umbilical cord might also have further benefits in regard to neurodevelopment.

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Luitgard Holzleg

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