Effects of Milking the Umbilical Cord on Systemic Blood Flow

The aim of this study is to determine whether umbilical cord milking improves blood flow in premature babies, and thereby reduce the occurrence of neurological problems. The investigators predict that the blood flow measured by ultrasounds of the heart will be higher in babies who receive umbilical cord milking compared to those whose cords are clamped immediately. Secondly, the investigators predict that cord milking will improve blood volume, blood pressure, and urine output, and delay the need for blood transfusions. This will be the first study to look at the effect that umbilical cord milking has on important measures of blood flow, which can predict bleeding in the head and subsequent developmental problems in very premature babies.