Can ultrasound detect nuchal cord?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on September 19, 2024
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During the color ultrasound examination, it is possible to detect whether the fetus is experiencing umbilical cord entanglement around the neck. If the ultrasound shows a V-shaped echo around the fetal neck, it generally indicates that the umbilical cord is wrapped around once. If the echo is W-shaped, then the cord is wrapped twice. If the cord is wrapped multiple times, the echo will appear serrated. Additionally, the color ultrasound can also assess the blood flow around the umbilicus to determine the presence of umbilical cord entanglement. If cord entanglement is detected, it is recommended to have regular ultrasound check-ups at the hospital to monitor the fetus's safety in the uterus.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
1min home-news-image

36 weeks umbilical cord around the neck 2 weeks how to correct

At 36 weeks of pregnancy, which is approximately 9 months, it is close to full-term gestation. If an ultrasound reveals that the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck twice, it often indicates the presence of a W-shaped notch behind the neck. Having the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck twice is a normal physiological occurrence and does not affect the growth and development of the fetus. Many pregnant women, upon hearing about the umbilical cord around the neck, fear it might affect fetal growth and development or cause ischemia or hypoxia, and thus want to correct it through various methods. Firstly, it is unnecessary to correct the umbilical cord around the neck as it is a physiological change. Secondly, there is no known method to correct this condition; neither dietary activities nor any other methods can intervene with the umbilical cord being wrapped around the neck. Therefore, there is no need, nor is there a way, to intervene with the umbilical cord wrapping; it is sufficient to simply observe and wait.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
46sec home-news-image

Can ultrasound detect nuchal cord?

During the color ultrasound examination, it is possible to detect whether the fetus is experiencing umbilical cord entanglement around the neck. If the ultrasound shows a V-shaped echo around the fetal neck, it generally indicates that the umbilical cord is wrapped around once. If the echo is W-shaped, then the cord is wrapped twice. If the cord is wrapped multiple times, the echo will appear serrated. Additionally, the color ultrasound can also assess the blood flow around the umbilicus to determine the presence of umbilical cord entanglement. If cord entanglement is detected, it is recommended to have regular ultrasound check-ups at the hospital to monitor the fetus's safety in the uterus.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
1min 9sec home-news-image

Does an umbilical cord around the neck always require a cesarean section?

When nuchal cord occurs, it is not always necessary to perform a cesarean section, because sometimes the cord may be loosely wrapped around, even if only for one loop, and in such cases, natural childbirth is still possible. However, if the nuchal cord is wrapped more than two or three times, and is tightly wrapped, and if there is fetal hypoxia inside the uterus, then a cesarean section must be performed to quickly terminate the pregnancy. Nuchal cord is a common cause of difficult labor in pregnant women. Therefore, during the later stages of pregnancy, regular prenatal check-ups should be carried out to monitor the fetus's health. If any abnormalities are detected, it is urgent to admit to the hospital for delivery to avoid potential impacts on the baby, such as hypoxia or asphyxiation.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Umbilical cord around the neck ultrasound manifestations

The impact of umbilical cord entanglement on the fetus is quite significant. If the entanglement is excessive and tight, it can lead to fetal hypoxia. Generally, fetuses with the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck once or draped on the neck do not show clinical symptoms. However, if the entanglement is tight, it can jeopardize fetal health. During an ultrasound examination, echoes can be seen on the fetus's neck where the umbilical cord is wrapped, and distinct pressure marks may appear on the skin. A single wrap around the neck appears as a U-shape, two wraps appear as a W-shape, and three wraps as a serrated shape.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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Is it dangerous for the umbilical cord to be wrapped around the neck during the mid-stage of pregnancy?

During a mid-pregnancy ultrasound, it is sometimes indicated by the presence of a U-shaped or W-shaped notch behind the fetus's neck that the fetus may have the umbilical cord wrapped around its neck. During pregnancy, it is perfectly normal for the umbilical cord to wrap around the neck, and it generally does not affect the fetus or pose any danger. The length of the umbilical cord during pregnancy is approximately 30 to 80 centimeters, which is quite long relative to the size of the uterine cavity. Hence, many umbilical cords have excess length that can wrap around the neck or limbs of the fetus, leading to the umbilical cord being coiled around the neck or limbs. However, current research indicates that whether the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck or limbs once or twice, it does not affect the fetus. It does not cause intrauterine hypoxia or affect the growth and development of the fetus, nor does it influence the mode of delivery. A natural childbirth can still be an entirely viable option.