What is the procedure for cutting the umbilical cord after delivery?

• A. Double-clamp the cord 10-12 inches from the abdomen and cut between the clamps
• B. Clamp once near the abdomen and cut immediately
• C. Leave the cord unclamped until the infant breathes spontaneously
• D. Cut the cord as close to the infant as possible

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to secure the cord safely so the baby can detach from the placenta without bleeding. The best approach is to place two clamps on the cord at a safe distance from the newborn—about 10 to 12 inches from the abdomen—then cut the cord between those clamps. This creates secure points on both sides of the cut, stopping blood flow from both directions and giving you a stable cord stump to manage. It also keeps a portion of cord attached to the baby for handling and any immediate needs.

Clamping only once near the abdomen and cutting immediately lacks a second secure point, which increases the chance of leakage from the vessels. Delayed clamping by waiting for the infant to breathe spontaneously is a different protocol and isn’t the universal standard for every delivery. Cutting the cord as close to the infant as possible skips the second clamp and can complicate secure separation.