In the third stage of labor, is delayed cord clamping beneficial compared with early cord clamping for term neonates?

Abstract

In the third stage of labor, is delayed cord clamping beneficial compared with early cord clamping for term neonates? Evidence-Based Answer: Delayed cord clamping (compared with early cord clamping) is associated with a decreased risk of iron deficiency at 3 to 6 months of age but an increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy (SOR: A, meta-analysis). By 12 months the hematologic differences disappear (SOR: C, meta-analysis of RCTs of disease-oriented outcomes). The effect on reducing infant anemia may be more pronounced if the mother is anemic (SOR: C, single cohort study of disease-oriented outcomes).