Can Excessive Red Blood Cells from a Transfusion Harm the Body?
Indeed, it is possible for an excessive amount of red blood cells, even from a transfusion, to cause harm or damage to the body. This concern is particularly pertinent in practices like delayed cord clamping during childbirth, where the umbilical cord is not immediately clamped after delivery.
What is Delayed Cord Clamping?
Delayed cord clamping is a practice where the umbilical cord is not immediately clamped after the baby's delivery. This practice involves allowing some of the blood present in the placenta, umbilical cord arteries, and veins to continue flowing into the baby's body. The mother's contractions, which are aimed at detaching the placenta from the uterus, push additional blood into the baby's body.
Delayed cord clamping is believed to give newborns a better start in life because the additional resources, such as oxygen-carrying red blood cells, white blood cells from the immune system, and nutrients, can be crucial during the early days of life.
The Fetus's Blood Supply
During pregnancy, the fetus produces a significant amount of red blood cells to maintain circulation between its body and the placenta. Approximately 50% of the fetus's blood volume is distributed in the umbilical cord and placenta. While all of this blood is not transferred to the baby during delayed clamping, a considerable amount is still pushed into the baby's body compared to the baby's body mass.
Neonatal Complications and Risks
The delay in clamping can slightly increase the likelihood and severity of several neonatal complications, including neonatal polycythemia and neonatal jaundice. Although these complications are common and treatable even with early clamping, the benefits of delayed clamping for extra long-term health outcomes are questionable.
Parents who choose delayed cord clamping might have to stay in the hospital for a longer period due to the treatments required for these conditions. While the medical community has methods to manage these complications, the additional risks associated with delayed clamping are not considered worth the potential benefits.
The Ideal Duration of Delayed Cord Clamping
As shown in the image above, my recommendation for delayed cord clamping is no more than one minute. This duration allows a significant amount of blood to remain in the umbilical cord arteries and veins for potential collection and banking.
The Importance of Cord Blood Banking
After learning about the potential importance of cord blood banking, I have made sure to bank the cord blood of my third and fourth children. We specifically asked the midwife not to delay the clamping so she could collect as much blood as possible. Unfortunately, we have found use for both of their blood units, with one infusion aiding in the treatment of autism and the other aiding in the treatment of both autism and refractory epilepsy.
While I would have preferred healthy children, the fortunate preservation of their cord blood, especially that of my youngest with refractory epilepsy, has been particularly significant. The cord blood infusion stopped severe seizures and saved his life, making this practice essential for some families.
Understanding the risks and benefits of delayed cord clamping and the potential for using cord blood for medical treatments can be the deciding factor in making informed decisions for new parents. It is crucial to weigh the benefits and potential risks to make the best choice for your family.