Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping Versus Cord Milking in Preterm Neonate

Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping Versus Cord Milking in Preterm Neonate - a Randomized, Controlled Trial

This study is being done to evaluate if delaying cord clamping or milking the umbilical cord of the preterm infant has health benefits for the baby. Timing of clamping of the cord varies among doctors, but there is information that shows that delaying clamping of the umbilical cord in premature infants may reduce the rate of the baby needing a blood transfusion, decrease the risk of infection and bleeding in the head.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Singleton or multiples pregnancies in patients admitted for medically indicated delivery or in advanced spontaneous preterm labor with imminent delivery at 24 0/7 - 28 6/7 weeks gestation
• Women ages 18 and older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Planned vaginal breech delivery
• Major fetal abnormalities (defined as those that are lethal or require prenatal or postnatal surgery)
• Fetal death in utero
• Red cell isoimmunization
• Patients who are incapable of informed consent (unconscious, severely ill, mentally handicapped), or are unwilling to undergo randomization
• Placenta previa or other known abnormal placentation (e.g. placenta accreta)