Why doesn't the ultrasound show the umbilical cord around the neck?

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on September 04, 2024

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Generally, in cases where there is umbilical cord entanglement around the neck, it can be detected through an ultrasound examination.

However, if the ultrasound does not show the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck, it is possible that the cord moved back around as the fetus moved during pregnancy. It might also be that the cord is not fully wrapped around the fetus's neck, but rather draped over the shoulder or neck. This situation could also relate to the fetal position, making it undetectable.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

1min 1sec

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What to do if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck once in late pregnancy?

During the late stages of pregnancy, a B-ultrasound might sometimes reveal that the fetus has the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck once. This condition is a physiological occurrence. Having the cord wrapped once around the neck does not cause intrauterine hypoxia or harm the growth and development of the fetus inside the womb. The vast majority of cases where the cord is wrapped are physiological, and whether the cord is wrapped around once or twice, there is no need for excessive worry. In the late stages of pregnancy, the most important thing when the cord is found wrapped around the neck is to monitor fetal movements. As long as the fetal movements are good, it indicates that the fetus is in a normal condition inside the womb. It is also important to keep up with regular prenatal check-ups to assess whether the fetal growth and development are normal. Additionally, it is not advised to take any action to intervene when the cord is wrapped around the neck, as neither adopting sleeping positions nor any other methods can release the cord from the neck. These methods are futile and sometimes might even harm the fetus.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

47sec

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The difference between U-shaped and W-shaped nuchal cords.

During pregnancy, through ultrasound examination, if echoes of the umbilical cord are found around the fetus’s neck in U-shaped or W-shaped patterns, this indicates the presence of nuchal cord. The difference between U-shape and W-shape primarily lies in the number of wraps around the neck. A U-shaped notch indicates the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck once; a W-shape indicates it is wrapped twice. When nuchal cord is present, there is no need to be overly anxious; regular prenatal check-ups can be conducted at the hospital to monitor the development of the nuchal cord and the safety of the fetus inside the uterus.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

57sec

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What should be noted if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck once at 39 weeks of pregnancy?

At 39 weeks of pregnancy, finding a single loop of umbilical cord around the neck during an ultrasound should not be a concern; this condition is quite common among pregnant women and does not have a significant impact on the fetus, nor does it affect natural childbirth. At this time, the following aspects should be noted: First, attention should be paid to any abnormal fetal movements. If there is an increase or decrease in fetal movement, it is necessary to come to the hospital for an examination to rule out hypoxia. Second, be aware of signs of labor, including bloody show and contractions. If these conditions occur, you should come to the hospital promptly to await birth. Third, it is important to attend routine prenatal check-ups a week later. Do not overly focus on the cord around the neck, as it generally does not cause hypoxia or affect the method of childbirth.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

1min 6sec

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Can placenta previa with the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck one time be delivered vaginally?

Placenta previa and umbilical cord around the neck are two relatively common clinical conditions during pregnancy, and they have different impacts on natural childbirth. First, having the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck once is a very normal physiological occurrence, and it generally does not affect the ability to have a natural childbirth in any situation. Therefore, from the perspective of the umbilical cord around the neck, it does not affect natural childbirth. Second, placenta previa refers to the lower edge of the placenta being close to the internal os of the cervix. Whether natural childbirth is possible mainly depends on the type of placenta previa. If it is a partial or central placenta previa, such conditions generally cannot proceed with natural childbirth, as they might cause significant bleeding, necessitating an elective cesarean section. However, in the case of marginal placenta previa, where there is still some distance between the lower edge of the placenta and the cervical os, attempting natural childbirth might be possible, provided that preparations for a cesarean section are in place.

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Written by Liu Wen Li

Obstetrics

59sec

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Is there any danger in natural childbirth with the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck once?

Umbilical cord wrapping around the neck once is completely manageable with a natural birth, as it is very common in clinical practice, and many pregnant women with the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck have successfully delivered naturally. Even cases where the umbilical cord wraps around the neck twice, or even three times, can still undergo natural childbirth. Therefore, trying for a natural birth with the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck once is entirely feasible. Of course, during this process, it is necessary to monitor changes in the fetal heart rate or other conditions. As long as there are no issues with the fetal heart or other aspects, the mere fact of the umbilical cord being wrapped around the neck does not affect the delivery.