Waiting 30 seconds to clamp the cord could help tiniest babies

NCT ID NCT01222364

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study tested whether waiting 30-45 seconds before clamping the umbilical cord, instead of clamping immediately, is feasible and might improve blood health in extremely low birth weight premature infants (24-27 weeks gestation). 54 infants were enrolled. The goal was to see if delayed clamping could increase hematocrit levels and reduce the need for blood transfusions.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Delayed cord clamping (procedure)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could improve blood counts and reduce the need for transfusions in fragile premature infants.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study (54 infants) focused on feasibility, not proof of benefit. Results may not apply broadly or show clear health improvements.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

fetal growth restriction Premature Birth

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

    Providence, Rhode Island, 02905, United States

  • Case Western Reserve University, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States

  • Cincinnati Children's Medical Center

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267, United States

  • University of Alabama

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35249-7335, United States