Premature Babies and the Umbilical Cord: A Lifesaver in Critical Moments
Drowning in statistics, we see that almost 13 million babies worldwide are born prematurely every year. Unfortunately, around one million of these tiny souls don't make it past their first breaths. But, a groundbreaking discovery in the medical world might change this grim reality. Researchers at the University of Sydney have unveiled a fascinating finding that gives premature babies a fighting chance: the umbilical cord.
Give it a minute or two
In a world where time is of the essence, waiting can often seem counterintuitive. However, when it comes to premature births, giving the umbilical cord a few extra minutes can significantly improve the baby's chances of survival. This remarkable revelation stems from studies presented in the esteemed medical journal, "Lancet."
The Gentle Art of Transition
Dr. Anna Lene Seidler, the study's leader from the University of Sydney, explains that a delayed cord clamping process creates a smoother transition for the baby, reducing the risk of brain hemorrhages and the need for blood transfusions.
In many perinatal centers, there's a mobile table equipped with a resuscitation unit and warming lamp, to facilitate care for premature babies instantly.
Smooth Transition, Happy Beginnings
If the umbilical cord is left unclamped, the blood continues to flow from the placenta to the baby while the lungs fill with air. This process probably aids the transition to breathing and potentially decreases the risk of iron deficiency in the baby, according to the researchers.
The Power of Time
The scientists included results from 21 studies in their meta-analysis, which showcases 3292 premature births. Over 60% of these babies were delivered via caesarean section. They discovered that a delay of at least two minutes in clamping the umbilical cord during premature births can significantly reduce the risk of death and lower the need for blood transfusions.
Best Strategy
In recent years, immediate cord clamping was a common practice for premature babies. The procedure allowed the babies to be easily dried, wrapped, and resuscitated if necessary. However, the researchers have found that a delay of at least two minutes is likely the best strategy for premature births.
The Role of Clinical Studies
The research, led by Seidler and co-author Sol Libesman from the University of Sydney, has been published in "Lancet." This clinical study highlights the significance of delaying umbilical cord clamping during premature births in reducing the risk of death and complications for the newborn. Family portals have proven to be valuable sources of information for families of premature babies, keeping them informed about their baby's progress throughout the clinical study.
Enrichment Insights
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends leaving the umbilical cord unclamped for at least 1 to 3 minutes after birth to minimize infection risk. For premature babies, the duration might be slightly longer to ensure adequate drying and reduce the risk of infection.
