Can cord blood volume affect my baby’s delivery?

Your baby receives sufficient oxygen and nutrients if the cord blood volume is adequate, which can also support smoother labour without complications.

Is delayed cord clamping safe?

Waiting 1-3 minutes before clamping the cord is safe for most pregnancies and improves the iron levels in your baby.

How much cord blood is enough for banking?

A blood quantity of around 80-100 millilitres is sufficient for successful stem cell collection. If the cord contains more blood, it can make it easier to collect good stem cells.

Why Umbilical Cord Blood Volume Matters in Late Pregnancy

The third trimester of the pregnancy can be full of appointments, scans and delivery discussions. Your mind may be consumed with your baby’s health, the delivery experience, and the first moments after birth. However, your doctor may be concerned about other medical aspects to help you deliver safely.

One such aspect is the blood volume in the umbilical cord. It may sound confusing, but it can influence your baby’s health during and after birth. Understanding why it matters and what you can do will help you ease your mind, as you will know what to expect.

What Is Umbilical Cord Blood?

Umbilical cord blood is the blood that flows through the cord connecting your baby to the placenta. This blood carries oxygen, nutrients and hormones for your baby’s growth, but it also contains stem cells. These cells can help treat some diseases in the future.

Your baby grows rapidly in the last trimester, which means higher oxygen and nutrient demand. This makes the volume of cord blood particularly important. A typical blood quantity of the cord is about 80 to 100 millilitres at birth. However, this value can change depending on the length of the cord, placenta, and your overall pregnancy health.

Why Does Cord Blood Volume Matter?

How Does It Affect Your Baby’s Health?

If the blood volume is maintained in the cord, it will provide your baby enough nutrients and oxygen before and during birth. It can lead to the following problems if the volume decreases.

Low birth weight
Difficulties during labour
Reduced reserves for blood transfusions if needed

A healthy volume gives your baby a strong start outside the womb and also supports a smooth delivery.

Stem Cells and Future Health

The cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can be beneficial for your baby or family in the future. It can be collected and put in storage for using it whenever it is required, or it can be donated for public use. The larger volumes contain more stem cells that can increase the chances of successful treatments later in life.

What Factors Affect Umbilical Cord Blood Volume?

The blood flow through the cord is based on several factors.

The blood supply to the baby is maintained if the placenta is in good condition. Preeclampsia or placental insufficiency can reduce cord blood volume.
A cord that is longer than usual may have more blood.
Preterm babies may have less cord blood.
High blood pressure, anaemia, or diabetes can affect blood flow.

Being aware of these factors can help you discuss the options with your doctor.

How Can You Support Healthy Cord Blood Volume?

You cannot always control all the factors, but you can take steps to support cord blood volume and the baby’s health.

The blood volume remains good if you drink a lot of water every day.
Iron-rich foods, such as leafy greens, lentils, and lean meat, can support your blood levels.
Prenatal checkups can detect any problems with the cord blood early.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can reduce placental blood flow.

What to Expect During Delivery

The medical team will monitor your baby closely during labour. If you choose delayed cord clamping, which means waiting 1-3 minutes before clamping the cord, after birth. Your baby can receive more blood volume due to it. This extra blood can boost iron levels, improve immunity, and even help with stem cell collection if you plan to bank cord blood.

Emotional and Family Considerations

Taking all the decisions in pregnancy can feel overwhelming, so involve your partner in discussions with your doctor. Pregnancy can be emotionally challenging in the later stages, and thinking about cord blood can only add to the pressure. Understanding the importance of cord blood and sharing the responsibility with your partner can ease your mind.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Most pregnancies progress without complications, but some signs may indicate a problem with the cord blood.

Reduced fetal movements.
Persistent swelling or high blood pressure.
Unusual bleeding or fluid leakage.

Visit your doctor if you notice any of these signs, as early intervention can prevent complications, thereby protecting your and your baby’s health.

What to Do Next

The following points will help your baby benefit from cord blood volume.

Discuss cord blood banking options with your doctor.
Ask about delayed cord clamping.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet.
Monitor fetal movements regularly.
Keep regular prenatal appointments.

The blood volume of the umbilical cord may not seem like an important thing to discuss when you are in the last trimester. However, it is critical for your baby’s growth and the treatment of certain diseases in the future. You can give your baby a healthy start in life by understanding its role and taking the necessary steps to support it.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Why Umbilical Cord Blood Volume Matters in Late Pregnancy?

Can cord blood volume affect my baby’s delivery?
Your baby receives sufficient oxygen and nutrients if the cord blood volume is adequate, which can also support smoother labour without complications.
Is delayed cord clamping safe?
Waiting 1-3 minutes before clamping the cord is safe for most pregnancies and improves the iron levels in your baby.
How much cord blood is enough for banking?
A blood quantity of around 80-100 millilitres is sufficient for successful stem cell collection. If the cord contains more blood, it can make it easier to collect good stem cells.