What should I do if the fetal umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck once?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 17, 2024
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During the prenatal ultrasound, it is sometimes discovered that the umbilical cord is wrapped around the fetus's neck, which concerns many pregnant women who fear it may cause fetal hypoxia in utero or affect natural childbirth. However, this concern is not accurate. Currently, in clinical practice, an umbilical cord around the neck is considered a normal physiological phenomenon. Around 30%-40% of fetuses may have the umbilical cord wrapped around their neck. It is acceptable for the umbilical cord to be wrapped around the neck once or twice, as this neither impacts the fetus's oxygen levels nor affects the mode of childbirth; natural birth can still be considered. Therefore, when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck once, no intervention is required. Follow the normal prenatal check-up routine and pay attention to fetal movements in daily life. As long as the fetal movements are normal, it indicates that the fetal condition in the uterus is good.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
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Can nuchal cord be corrected by lying prone?

Nuchal cord refers to a condition during pregnancy where the umbilical cord wraps around the fetus's neck or abdomen due to the baby's continuous movements and changes in position. Lying prone cannot correct a nuchal cord because the fetus can move freely within the womb. In some cases, the baby may even resolve the issue through its movements, so there is no need for excessive worry. It is only necessary to visit the hospital regularly for prenatal check-ups, follow the doctor's advice, and monitor the fetal heart rate. Generally, this does not cause any adverse effects.

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Obstetrics
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Can you have a vaginal birth if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck once?

Umbilical cord wrapping is a common physiological phenomenon during pregnancy, mainly because the length of the umbilical cord during pregnancy generally ranges from 30cm to 80cm, which far exceeds the length needed for fetal growth and development. Therefore, occurrences like the umbilical cord wrapping around the neck or limbs are quite normal. An umbilical cord around the neck is not an indication for cesarean section, and a vaginal delivery is entirely feasible, even if the cord wraps around the neck once or even twice. However, due to the special circumstance of the umbilical cord being wrapped around the neck, it is crucial to pay attention during the delivery process. First, it is important to monitor the fetal heart rate closely, as umbilical cord wrapping can lead to fetal hypoxia, which would be indicated by changes in the fetal heart rate. Second, preparations for an emergency cesarean section should be in place in case of an abnormal fetal heart rate, at which point a cesarean may be necessary to terminate the pregnancy.

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How to deal with one loop of umbilical cord around the neck detected by four-dimensional ultrasound?

If the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck once, there is no need to worry about it, because having the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck once is not as terrifying as it seems. If you want to give birth, it is completely feasible, and for most people with the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck once, if there are no other adverse factors, it generally does not affect the delivery. Moreover, even if you want to do something about it, you are powerless. It's not something that the pregnant woman herself can improve. Besides, there are cases where the umbilical cord is wrapped around two or three times, and they have given birth as well, so there is absolutely no need for anxiety.

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Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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How to correct nuchal cord with one loop?

Nuchal cord occurs because the fetus moves frequently within the uterine cavity, which can result in the umbilical cord looping around the neck once, referred to as a single-loop nuchal cord. In fact, it is not correctable because it is impossible to physically reach the umbilical cord or the fetus during pregnancy. Moreover, a single-loop nuchal cord is quite common, occurring in about one-fifth of all pregnancies. If the loop is loose or the umbilical cord is sufficiently long, there is generally no significant impact on the baby. However, if the loop is tight, it can pull on the umbilical cord, causing the blood vessels within the cord to narrow. This may lead to noticeable changes in fetal movements and heart rate. Therefore, with a nuchal cord, it is important to enhance monitoring and pay attention to changes in fetal movements and heart rate.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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What should I do if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck once?

Umbilical cord wrapping around the neck once is a very common phenomenon, occurring in 20% of fetuses. When the umbilical cord wraps around the neck once, if the umbilical blood flow and fetal movements are normal, it indicates that the cord wrapping does not affect the fetus and will not have a direct impact on the fetus's intrauterine growth and development. However, during childbirth, attention must be paid to the possibility that the umbilical cord wrapping may cause difficulties in the descent of the presenting part of the fetus, leading to abnormal umbilical blood flow. If difficulties in the descent of the presenting part and changes in the fetal heart rate occur during delivery, the possibility of umbilical cord wrapping should be considered. If necessary, a cesarean section should be performed to terminate the pregnancy. There are no medications or other treatments that can alleviate umbilical cord wrapping; instead, enhanced prenatal monitoring is sufficient.