Late umbilical cord clamping does not increase rates of jaundice and the need for phototherapy in pregnancies at normal risk.

Objective

To verify the relationship between the time of clamping of the umbilical cord and the development of neonatal jaundice, the dosage of bilirubin and the need for phototherapy.

Methods

Cross-sectional, retrospective study with 398 parturients at normal risk (single term gestation, no complications during gestation or delivery, birth weight between 2500 and 4499 g). The population was divided into three groups regarding the time of cord clamping: <1 min(117, 29.4%), between 1 and 3 min(228, 57.3%) and >3 min(53, 13.3%). Sociodemographic, clinical and obstetric characteristics, birth and delivery data, and maternal and perinatal outcomes were evaluated. Pearson's chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used for comparison between the groups. Statistical significance was considered p < .05.

Results

The groups were similar in the development of jaundice (p = .370), bilirubin dosage (p = .342) and need for phototherapy (p = .515). Late clamping was more prevalent in vaginal deliveries when compared to cesarean sections (1-3 min: 64 versus 21.4%, >3 min: 16.6 versus 1%) (p < .001). There was no difference in other maternal or perinatal variables.

Conclusion

The clamping time of the umbilical cord showed no association with jaundice, bilirubin dosage, or phototherapy needs in neonates at normal risk. The adoption of late clamping was more prevalent in vaginal deliveries.