Animal studies have indicated that loss of blood at birth could lead to harm. In fact, these results show that early cord clamping procedures after birth may interfere with placental transfusion. When an infant’s cord is clamped too soon, the infant may lose up to 30% of his blood volume. Early clamping, however, is required for saving optimum cord blood volumes. In order to save the cord blood, the cord must be clamped before it has stopped pulsating.

According to a researcher at the University of Rhode Island, in their haste to clamp the cord to collect optimum cord blood volumes, providers probably deprive the infant of a significant part of his blood supply. Other studies in 1998 have also shown that early clamping for cord blood collection could pose future health problems for the baby.

Is it possible that parents who choose to collect and store the child's cord blood could actually be placing their child at risk of the very conditions they want to prevent? The researchers are calling for more awareness among parents who want to participate in cord blood collection. There are confirmed studies that prove that early clamping of the cord can cause blood loss in an infant, and possibly lead to related health problems. Researchers suggest that parents who want to collect cord blood, choose a medical provider who uses late clamping methods.