Comparing umbilical cord milking and early cord clamping for preterm infants

A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial of Umbilical Cord Milking Compared to Early Cord Clamping in Preterm Infants Who Are Non-vigorous at Birth

Not applicable Interventional Nemours Children's Clinic · NCT06240715

This study is testing if milking the umbilical cord instead of clamping it right away can help save the lives of preterm babies born between 30 and 34 weeks who need immediate care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment800 (estimated)
Ages0 Minutes to 10 Minutes
SexAll
SponsorNemours Children's Clinic Academic / other
Locations9 sites (Belagavi, Karnataka and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06240715 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter, cluster-randomized, crossover trial aims to evaluate whether umbilical cord milking (UCM) can reduce in-hospital mortality in non-vigorous preterm infants born between 30 and 34 weeks of gestation compared to early cord clamping. The study will enroll approximately 800 preterm infants and will involve milking the intact cord four times before clamping. The hypothesis is that UCM, a low-tech intervention, may provide a beneficial alternative to early cord clamping, especially for infants requiring immediate resuscitation. The findings could potentially influence global guidelines for the management of preterm infants at birth.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are non-vigorous preterm infants born between 30 and 34 weeks of gestation.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital malformations, major chromosomal abnormalities, or those requiring specific interventions due to severe complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce mortality rates in preterm infants who require immediate resuscitation.

How similar studies have performed: While delayed cord clamping has shown success in reducing mortality, umbilical cord milking is a relatively novel approach that has not been extensively tested in randomized clinical trials.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Preterm infants born between 30 0/7 weeks to 34 6/7 weeks of gestation
* Non-vigorous at birth

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infants with congenital malformation
* Major chromosomal abnormalities
* Complete placental abruption/cutting through the placenta at the time of delivery
* Cord conditions (umbilical knots, inadequate cord length, cord rupture, non-reducible nuchal cord)
* Mono-chorionic twins,
* Twins with no information on amnion/chorion
* Multiple gestation \>2

Where this trial is running

Belagavi, Karnataka and 8 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PretermInfant DeathUmbilical cord milkingPlacental transfusion
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.