Waiting 30 seconds to clamp the cord could help tiniest babies

NCT ID NCT01222364

Completed Disease control Sponsor: NICHD Neonatal Research Network Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

INFANT, LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANT, NEWBORN INFANT, PREMATURE INFANT, SMALL FOR GESTATIONAL AGE

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

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