Early cord clamping may harm baby

Clamping the umbilical cord straight after birth does not benefit mother or baby and may actually be harmful, a UK expert has warned.

Instead, leaving the cord for around three minutes can boost the baby's iron stores, cutting the risk of anaemia.

Babies born prematurely would particularly benefit from delayed clamping where it is safe to do so, a British Medical Journal paper said.

Experts recommended mothers-to-be discuss the issue with their midwife.