Labour: timing of cord clamping: practice question

A OBG question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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OBG · Labour: timing of cord clamping

Sample item

A vigorous term neonate is born vaginally. According to WHO recommendations, when should the umbilical cord be clamped?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Not earlier than 1 minute after birth, up to about 3 minutes

Delayed cord clamping at 1 to 3 minutes lets placental transfusion improve haemoglobin and iron stores in the infant for the first months of life. Early clamping is reserved for neonates who need immediate resuscitation away from the mother, and even then should be balanced against benefits. A slight increase in jaundice requiring phototherapy has been noted but is acceptable.

Option by option

  • A. Not earlier than 1 minute after birth, up to about 3 minutes (correct)

    Correct. WHO advises waiting at least 1 minute and up to 3 minutes.

  • B. Before delivery of the shoulders

    Clamping before delivery of the shoulders is only for a tight nuchal cord.

  • C. Immediately at birth within 5 seconds

    Immediate clamping loses placental transfusion and is not routine.

  • D. Only after the cord stops pulsating at 10 minutes

    Waiting 10 minutes is not recommended.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More OBG questions

Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is A, Not earlier than 1 minute after birth, up to about 3 minutes. Delayed cord clamping at 1 to 3 minutes lets placental transfusion improve haemoglobin and iron stores in the infant for the first months of life.

Why is "Before delivery of the shoulders" not the answer?

Clamping before delivery of the shoulders is only for a tight nuchal cord.

Why is "Immediately at birth within 5 seconds" not the answer?

Immediate clamping loses placental transfusion and is not routine.

Why is "Only after the cord stops pulsating at 10 minutes" not the answer?

Waiting 10 minutes is not recommended.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour: timing of cord clamping in OBG. Early clamping is reserved for neonates who need immediate resuscitation away from the mother, and even then should be balanced against benefits. A slight increase in jaundice requiring phototherapy has been noted but is acceptable.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Labour: timing of cord clamping?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.