After everything you’ve been through to achieve a successful IVF pregnancy, it’s natural to want to make informed decisions about your baby’s birth.
One question you may be asked in your birth plan is whether you would like delayed cord clamping.
For most healthy babies, delayed cord clamping is now widely recommended because it allows extra blood, oxygen and nutrients to pass naturally from the placenta to your baby during the first few minutes after birth.
So what are the benefits, and is delayed cord clamping right for everyone?
What Is Delayed Cord Clamping?
Throughout pregnancy, your baby is connected to the placenta by the umbilical cord, which supplies oxygen and essential nutrients.
After birth, the cord continues to pulse for a short period while blood continues to flow from the placenta to your baby.
Delayed cord clamping simply means waiting before clamping and cutting the cord, allowing this natural transfer to finish.
1. Your Baby Continues Receiving Blood After Birth
The umbilical cord doesn’t stop working the moment your baby is born.
It continues transferring blood for several minutes, so many healthcare professionals recommend allowing this natural process to complete before clamping.
2. Improved Iron Stores
Research suggests delayed cord clamping can significantly increase your baby’s iron stores during the first months of life.
The World Health Organization recommends delayed cord clamping for most healthy births because of these benefits.
3. Reduced Risk of Iron Deficiency
Improved iron levels may help reduce iron deficiency during infancy, particularly in babies who may already be at higher risk.
4. Benefits After Caesarean Birth
Although blood transfer may be slightly reduced during Caesarean birth, delayed cord clamping can still provide important benefits and is increasingly offered following planned and emergency Caesarean deliveries where appropriate.
5. Particularly Helpful for Smaller Babies
Babies born with a lower birth weight may benefit from receiving additional blood volume and nutrients during those first few minutes after birth.
6. What About Jaundice?
Earlier concerns suggested delayed cord clamping might increase jaundice.
More recent evidence suggests that while jaundice may require monitoring in some babies, the overall benefits of delayed cord clamping generally outweigh the potential risks for healthy newborns.
7. Possible Developmental Benefits
Some studies have suggested delayed cord clamping may have positive effects on later motor and developmental outcomes, although research in this area is still ongoing.
8. A Gentle Transition After Birth
Many parents appreciate the opportunity to spend those first moments holding their baby while the umbilical cord is still intact.
It allows the transition from pregnancy to birth to happen naturally without unnecessary intervention.
9. Important for Premature Babies
Delayed cord clamping may be particularly beneficial for babies born prematurely, helping improve blood volume and reducing the need for blood transfusions in some cases.
Your neonatal team will advise if delayed clamping is appropriate in your individual circumstances.
10. Include It in Your Birth Plan
If you’ve conceived through IVF, you’ve probably spent months—or years—planning every stage of your journey.
Delayed cord clamping is another discussion worth having with your midwife or obstetrician before labour begins.
In many hospitals it is now routine practice for uncomplicated births, but including it in your birth plan ensures everyone understands your wishes where clinically appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Delayed cord clamping is a small part of the birth process, but one that may offer meaningful benefits for many babies.
If your IVF pregnancy has been uncomplicated, it’s worth discussing with your maternity team so you understand the options available and how delayed cord clamping fits into your birth plan.