When is delayed (or optimal) cord clamping not recommended?

In most situations, delayed cord clamping is beneficial and will be recommended. But there are some circumstances where it may not be suitable, such as:

if the person giving birth is bleeding heavily and need immediate medical treatment
if there is an issue with the placenta , such as placental abruption, a low-lying placenta or placenta praevia, vasa praevia
if the cord is bleeding so the blood is not getting to the baby
if they baby needs help to breathe (resuscitation).

Click here for more information about an issue with the placenta (opens in new tab)

Twins who share the same placenta (monochorionic twins) should not have delayed cord clamping. This is because there is a small risk that blood could move from one twin into the other during the birth.

Click here to find out more about multiple pregnancies (opens in new tab)