What factor can influence initial hemoglobin and hematocrit values in newborns?

The timing of clamping the umbilical cord can significantly influence the initial hemoglobin and hematocrit values in newborns. When the cord is clamped immediately after birth, the infant does not receive the additional blood that remains in the placenta, which can lead to lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Conversely, delaying cord clamping allows for the transfer of additional blood from the placenta to the newborn, thereby increasing these values. This practice is known to improve the newborn's blood volume and can enhance iron stores, which is particularly important in preventing anemia later in life.

In contrast, the type of delivery method, maternal nutritional status, and presence of maternal infection can affect the newborn's health in various ways, but they do not directly influence the immediate hemoglobin and hematocrit levels as profoundly as the timing of cord clamping. For instance, a cesarean delivery may involve different dynamics in terms of blood loss for the newborn, but the impact of cord clamping is more acute and measurable right at birth.