Where should clamps be placed on the umbilical cord relative to the newborn?

• A. 3 and 5 inches away
• B. 15 and 20 inches away
• C. 7 and 10 inches away from the baby
• D. 1 and 2 inches away

Answer: (C)

The idea is to place two clamps on the umbilical cord a short distance from the newborn to secure the cord while leaving a manageable segment between the clamps for cutting. Placing the first clamp about seven inches from the baby and the second about ten inches from the baby gives roughly three inches of cord between clamps, which provides a clear, secure section to cut and keeps the clamps away from the infant’s skin to minimize injury. This spacing helps control bleeding from the placental end and makes it easier to manage the cord during delivery without crowding the baby’s abdomen. Distances that are too close to the baby risk injuring vessels, while distances that are too far away are awkward and impractical in many delivery situations.