An umbilical cord clamp is a plastic medical device used in maternity and neonatal care to tightly stop the umbilical cord of a child after it has been cut. During pregnancy, the umbilical cord serves as a vital connection between the baby and the placenta, providing oxygen and nutrients while eliminating waste products. The umbilical cord would be cut and clamped after the baby was born.
The clamp is positioned some centimeters away from the umbilicus of the newborn. After application, the cord is cut between the clamp and the placenta. This helps stop blood leakage and infection through the cord stump, which stays open right after birth. Modern umbilical cord clamps are made of safe, strong medical-grade plastic, such as polypropylene. They are single-use, sterile, and designed for quick and simple use, even in emergencies or caesarean deliveries.