It’s a common misconception that babies don’t cry until after the umbilical cord is cut following birth. However, babies can and do sometimes cry while still physically connected to their mother via the umbilical cord. Understanding when and why babies may cry with the cord still intact can help parents know what to expect during the birthing process.
Can a Baby Cry Before the Cord is Cut?
Yes, it is possible for a newborn baby to cry before the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. The umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta, providing oxygen and nutrients during pregnancy. It usually remains intact for a short time after delivery before being clamped in two places and cut between the clamps.
Crying is one of the first reflexes that babies exhibit at birth. The larynx opens and closes rapidly to create a crying sound. This reflex is present from birth and does not require the umbilical cord to be cut in order to occur.
Babies may begin crying while the head and body are emerging but before the entire body has been delivered. Or, they may wait until after delivery to start crying while still attached to the placenta via the cord.
There is no set time when a baby will take their first breath or let out their first cry. It depends on the individual circumstances of labor and delivery. As long as there are no complications, there is no harm to the baby crying before complete delivery and cord clamping.
When Does a Baby Typically Start Crying?
On average, most healthy newborns will begin crying within the first minute after delivery. However, there is a wide range of what is considered normal.
Some babies may cry immediately after the head emerges from the birth canal, continuing as the shoulders and body deliver. Others may not cry until a few minutes after delivery.
Premature babies may take longer to cry than full-term infants. If extra fluid needs to be suctioned from the airway or medical assistance is required, the first cry may be delayed. Most providers allow approximately 30 seconds after delivery before intervening if a baby is not crying.
While timing varies, crying soon after birth is a positive sign that the baby’s airway is open, their lungs are functioning, and breathing reflexes are strong. If your baby does not immediately cry, there is no need to panic. Your medical team is trained to quickly assess any newborn who needs help starting regular respiration.
Reasons a Baby May Cry Before Cord Cutting
There are a few reasons why a newborn may begin crying before their umbilical cord is cut:
Stimulation of Delivery
The physical sensations of moving down the birth canal and emerging into the outside world are very stimulating. Cool air on skin, bright lights, sounds, and handling can all prompt a newborn reflex to cry. This may happen while the shoulders are emerging or the body is partially delivered.
Taking First Breaths
While still attached to placental oxygen, some babies instinctively attempt to breathe on their own as soon as the head is delivered. The cool air and physical agitation stimulates this reflex. Trying to breathe may lead to crying.
Clearing the Airway
Crying is thought to help clear fluid from the airway as the baby takes first breaths. Babies may cry immediately in order to expel amniotic fluid and establish airway patency. This reflexive crying can occur before the umbilical cord is cut.
Protesting Movement
During delivery, the provider may shift or manipulate the emerging newborn. This handling can cause discomfort or distress. A baby may cry in protest, even while the body has not fully emerged.
Responding to Stimuli
The unfamiliar stimuli of the delivery room may frighten or upset a newborn. Loud noises, handling, and sensations like cold and bright lights are all very different than the uterine environment. A baby may cry upon experiencing this for the first time, whether fully delivered or not.
In most cases, crying before full delivery indicates healthy reflexes and response. If a baby is crying, they are breathing and their airway appears clear. It is often reassuring to providers when newborns cry before the umbilical cord is cut because it means successful transition to breathing outside the womb.
Does Crying Before Cord Cutting Cause Problems?
There are no known risks or complications associated with a newborn crying before the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. As long as there is no evidence of respiratory distress or obstruction, crying is normal and healthy behavior.
In fact, research suggests that delayed cord clamping of at least 30-60 seconds allows more placental blood transfusion to the newborn. This additional blood volume has been associated with higher iron stores, less risk of anemia, and decreased incidence of brain hemorrhage in pre-term infants.
If the provider elects to delay cord clamping and the baby cries during this time, there is no rush to cut the cord immediately. The baby is still receiving oxygenated blood from the placenta. Allowing the newborn to remain attached to placental circulation for a short period has benefits.
That said, if there are signs of respiratory trouble, the provider may need to cut the cord promptly in order to fully visualize the airway, clear any obstructions, and begin interventions. In this case, crying before cord cutting can be helpful to identify babies in distress.
Will a Baby Breathe Before the Cord is Cut?
Babies typically take their first breath within seconds of delivery, before the umbilical cord is cut. However, simply breathing and crying are two different processes that are not entirely interdependent.
A newborn may breathe shortly after emerging without letting out a lusty cry. Or, they may cry while not taking deep continued breaths.
Factors like prematurity, amniotic fluid in the airway, sedation from labor medications, or birth asphyxia may impact time to establish respiration. A baby may breathe adequately but not have a strong cry, or vice versa.
In most cases, healthy babies will both breathe and cry almost immediately after birth, while still connected via the umbilical cord. If respiration seems delayed, medical providers are ready to step in to safely cut the cord and help assist the baby’s breathing.
What to Expect Before Cord Cutting
Knowing what to expect immediately after birth while still connected to the umbilical cord can help parents understand this incredible experience. Here’s a quick summary:
While every delivery is unique, providers are very well trained to handle any breathing or crying situation. Having an idea of general newborn behavior expectations can give parents confidence in the process.
Conclusion
Crying before the umbilical cord is cut is common and does not cause harm or require immediate cord clamping in most cases. Babies have reflexes that prompt breathing and crying immediately, and physical agitation from delivery can stimulate this. As long as there are no signs of respiratory distress, a crying baby still attached via the cord is getting blood flow from the placenta. Allowing a delay of 30-60 seconds or more before clamping has benefits. However, if the newborn needs resuscitation, cutting the cord swiftly enables medical teams to better assist. While each birth is different, crying shortly after delivery generally indicates healthy reflexes as babies transition breathing from the womb. Expect the amazing sound of those first cries, whether or not the cord has been cut!