When there is risk of fetomaternal hemorrhage or when the child needs resuscitation
While delayed cord clamping is usually indicated in most newborns to improve the hemoglobin status, there are a few instances where early cord clamping is done to prevent hyperbilirubinemia and further complications such as kernicterus in the newborn, these are 1) Rh Isoimmunization 2) Infant of Diabetic Mother 3) Birth asphyxia. Early cord clamping is done in Rh isoimmunization to prevent the transfer of maternal antibodies to the newborn and cause jaundice. Infants of a diabetic mother (IDMs) tend to have a risk of hypoglycemia and electrolyte imbalances. They may also have polycythemia and early cord clamping in these cases reduces the risk of hyperbilirubinemia. Infants with birth asphyxia (including IDMs who are at increased risk of RDS) require immediate breathing assistance and hence delayed cord clamping is not done in them. Postdated pregnancy by itself is not an indication for early cord clamping. Thank you.