Placental Transfusion Methods and Stem Cells

Umbilical cord blood is a rich source of stem cells. Placental transfusion is the transfer of the placental blood to the baby until the cord clamped during the birth. Placental transfusion can be accomplished by delayed cord clamping or umbilical cord milking. One group will receive 2 minutes of delayed cord clamping, the second group will receive umbilical cord milking and the third group will receive immediate cord clamping. Following the cord clamping, the blood samples will be taken from the placental site of the umbilical cord to measure the stem cells from all subjects and placental residual volume will be measured. Delivery room conditions, hospitalization (if needed), short-term outcome during hospitalization, prematurity related morbidities (if baby is preterm) will be recorded.