Cut the baby's umbilical cord should not be too early

Cutting the umbilical cord is an important moment in a baby's life. For nine months, the baby lives in the womb only depending on the umbilical cord as a connector for all nutritional intake from the mother. Then, shortly after his birth into the world, the baby's umbilical cord is cut. Often times the father himself will conduct the cutting ceremony of the baby's umbilical cord.

Many doctors routinely cut the baby's umbilical cord immediately after birth because it is considered an effort to reduce the risk of heavy bleeding in the mother. However, recent research has shown that waiting a few minutes to cut the umbilical cord can benefit the baby in the long run. Why?

What are the benefits of delaying cutting the baby's umbilical cord?

1. Smooth baby's breathing

The umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta in the mother's uterus, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the baby, and carries away waste products that come from the baby - such as carbon dioxide. The umbilical cord is also the channel for sending antibodies that will protect the baby after birth. It is common for doctors to cut the umbilical cord immediately, within 15 to 20 seconds of birth, except these are some of the complications that may occur in premature babies.

Waiting a few minutes before clamping of the umbilical cord allows more fresh iron-rich blood to be sent from the placenta to reach the newborn. Fresh blood flow from the placenta may still flow for up to five minutes after the baby is born, but most optimal placental blood transfer occurs within the first minute - and there is increasing evidence that it has several health benefits.

Among the many benefits of keeping the umbilical cord intact after the baby is born is that the oxygenated blood flowing through it will complement the baby's first breath. In the uterus, the placenta acts as the lungs of the fetus. But within seconds of birth, the blood circulation changes and the fetus's lungs, which were filled with fluid, now expand as the baby breathes air. Too quickly cut off access to the remaining placental blood in the umbilical cord, leaving babies to miss the opportunity to get additional oxygen to enrich their first breath.

2. Prevent babies from anemia

Medical research suggests there are other positive effects of delaying cord clamping after birth to later development, including increased iron stores, blood volume and brain development. Waiting a few minutes before cutting the umbilical cord allows more iron-rich blood from the placenta to reach the newborn. Thus, delaying cutting the umbilical cord of the baby once he is born can lower the risk of the child developing blood deficiency anemia once he or she is older.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency problem found in children around the world, especially in developing countries, including Indonesia. Based on the latest survey from the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in children under five in Indonesia is reported to be around 48.1 percent and 47.3% in the school age group. Mild iron deficiency has been found to delay cognitive development in children. Anemic babies often appear lethargic and pale.

Reporting from USA Today, previous research belonging to Ola Andersson, a neonatologist and pediatrician at Uppsala University, Sweden, shows that babies who are delayed cutting their umbilical cord have up to 90% resistance to iron deficiency anemia when they are 4 months old.

3. Improve the baby's motor skills

In his latest study, Andersson found that babies were born full-term and those still dependent on the umbilical cord at least three minutes after they were born showed better motor control when they reached preschool than children whose umbilical cord was cut as soon as they were born. Children whose umbilical cord cutting was delayed were more likely to show better social skills.

How long should you delay cutting the baby's umbilical cord?

Studies show that the benefits of delaying umbilical cord cutting are greater in children born prematurely, with a significantly lower risk of blood transfusions, anemia, and brain hemorrhages. In response, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also advised delaying cutting of the umbilical cord in premature babies.

Waiting at least 30 seconds to one minute before clamping of the umbilical cord allows more iron-rich blood from the placenta to reach the newborn - and this has been shown to have a variety of long-term benefits. Many international health organizations, including the World Health Organization, even recommend umbilical cord clamping one to three minutes after the baby is born.

Some conditions require that the umbilical cord be cut immediately

However, the decision about when to cut the umbilical cord should be made after discussion between the doctor and the parents, depending on the delivery process, the health of the baby and the condition of the mother. The initial fear that delaying cutting the umbilical cord could lead to severe bleeding in the mother has not been proven correct. But doctors will not delay cutting the umbilical cord if the baby is found to have breathing problems and / or requires emergency care.

Even if there are no precedent problems, the baby also needs to be monitored for signs and symptoms of jaundice (jaundice), an increased risk associated with delaying cutting the baby's umbilical cord.