New Study Finds Umbilical Cord Milking Safe for Preterm Infants
A study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has revealed that umbilical cord milking may be a safe alternative for preterm infants born after 28 weeks. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionize the way healthcare professionals manage the birth process in these cases.
Umbilical cord milking involves softly squeezing the cord and directing the blood flow into the newborn’s abdomen. Previous concerns about this procedure increasing the risk of bleeding inside the brain are now believed to be irrelevant for preterm infants born after 28 weeks.
One of the critical advantages of umbilical cord milking is its efficiency compared to the standard procedure of delayed cord clamping. While delaying cord clamping typically takes 30 to 180 seconds, milking the cord only requires about 20 seconds. This swift response time is crucial for infants in need of immediate support.
Furthermore, both delayed cord clamping and cord milking have been found to help mitigate the risk of anemia and other complications associated with immediate clamping and cutting of the cord. This finding emphasizes the potential benefits of adopting these procedures more widely.
The study, led by Dr. Anup Katheria of the Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns in San Diego, involved researchers from the United States, Canada, and Europe. More than 1,000 infants were randomly assigned either to umbilical cord milking or delayed cord clamping. The rates of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding inside the brain) and/or death were similar between the two groups.
To ensure comprehensive findings, the researchers will continue to track the infants involved in the study for two years to observe any long-term outcomes. This extended observation period will provide valuable insights into the potential long-term benefits of umbilical cord milking.
Dr. Nahida Chakhtoura, M.D., chief of the NICHD Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch, has expressed her availability for commenting on the study. Her insights and expertise will undoubtedly shed light on the practical implications of the research.
The study, published in Pediatrics, is an important contribution to the field of perinatology. The full citation is available for those interested in further exploring this subject.
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), which is responsible for leading research and training to improve reproductive health and child and adolescent well-being, has been at the forefront of this study. Their commitment to advancing knowledge in this area plays a significant role in driving progress and improving the lives of infants and their families.
Overall, the study’s findings on the safety and potential benefits of umbilical cord milking for preterm infants offer hope for improved care and outcomes for these vulnerable babies. As further research and clinical practice align, it is anticipated that this technique will become more widely accepted as a standard procedure in neonatal care.
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