The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Comparative Effects of Delayed versus Physiological Cord Clamping on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes and Neurodevelopment at 6 Months: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Pouran Allahbakhshinasab 1
Fatemeh Khorasanian 1
Hassan Ahmadinia 2
Marzieh Najar Mohiabadi 1
1 Instructor, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Geriatric Care Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Occupational Environment Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
10.22038/ijogi.2026.89846.6506
Abstract
Introduction: Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is recommended as a standard of care in vaginal births due to its benefits. However, the optimal timing remains unclear; therefore, the present study was conducted with aim to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes in physiological cord clamping versus cord clamping.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2021-2023 on 300 pregnant women referred to Niknafs Maternity Hospital in Rafsanjan, Iran. Participants were randomly placed two groups of 150 women per group. In the intervention group, physiological cord clamping was performed, whereas in the control group, the umbilical cord was clamped 1 minute after birth. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were subsequently compared between the two groups. Data were collected using a demographic and obstetric information checklist, the Breastfeeding Assessment Questionnaire, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 22) and Chi-square test, Independent t-test, and Mann–Whitney test. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: There were no significant differences between tw two groups regarding 1‑ and 5‑minute Apgar scores, neonatal heart rate or respiratory rate at 10 minutes, duration of the third stage of labor, postpartum bleeding, breastfeeding score, neonatal jaundice and need to phototherapy, or ASQ developmental status at 6 months (all p>0.05).
Conclusions: Both physiological cord clamping and cord clamping at 1 minute postpartum are safe methods, with no significant impact on maternal or neonatal morbidity. These findings support more flexibility in timing of delayed umbilical cord clamping in vaginal deliveries.
Keywords
Delayed Cord Clamping
Maternal Outcomes
Neonatal Outcomes
Physiological Cord Clamping
Subjects
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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 29, Issue 2
April 2026
Pages 40-50