A–Z Glossary

Umbilical cord clamping

Umbilical cord clamping mechanically closes the cord’s blood vessels before the newborn is separated from the placenta by cutting.

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When and how cord is cut

When and how cord is cut

What cord clamping and cutting mean The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta throughout pregnancy. Its vessels carry oxygenated blood and nutrients toward the fetus and return deoxygenated blood to the placenta. After birth, breathing begins, pulmonary blood flow rises, and the newborn’s circulation transitions away from placental support. Cord clamping closes the […]