The importance of time for clamping the umbilical cord for the newborn: an integrative literature review

Abstract

This article sought to analyze the impact and the importance of the time of clamping of the umbilical cord for the newborn. It was an integrative literature review conducted on the electronic platform Virtual Health Library (VHL) that make up the databases: PubMed, Lilacs, Scielo and Medline. After analyzing the sample, different approaches were observed in relation to the appropriate time for clamping the umbilical cord, however 60% of the studies showed several benefits of late clamping when compared to the early clamping. Three main themes were identified: Positive factors related to late clamping; Factors related to early clamping and the importance of nursing in the practice of late clamping. In the literature, there are still divergent opinions and scientific results about the ideal time to perform the clamping of the umbilical cord, however the evidences of the short and long term benefits for the baby and the mother. Currently, late clamping is recommended and the results found in this study reinforce the importance of such practice. However, this study identified the scarcity of publications on late clamping available.