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

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 11, 2024
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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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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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How to count fetal movements when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck

When there is nuchal cord presence, it is important to determine the number of loops around the neck as well as the tightness of the loops, to assess if they might affect the fetal heart rate. Generally, nuchal cords do not impact fetal blood circulation, so fetal movement can still be measured normally. Proper measurement should be taken at fixed times each day: morning, noon, and evening—for example, at 7 AM, 12 PM, and 9 PM respectively. During each of these times, select one hour when you can calmly and attentively feel and count the baby’s movements in a quiet setting, and record the number of movements.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
1min 3sec home-news-image

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.

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

Will there be changes in the fetal heart rate if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck?

When the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck, there are some situations where changes in the fetal heart rate may occur. The umbilical cord is mostly wrapped around the neck just once, which generally does not affect the growth and development of the fetus, nor does it significantly change the fetal heart rate. The impact on the fetal heart rate in the case of nuchal cord depends on how tight the cord is wrapped around the neck, the number of loops, and the length of the umbilical cord, among other factors. If the umbilical cord is tightly wrapped and has multiple loops, or if it is compressed due to contractions of the uterus, it can obstruct fetal blood circulation and lead to hypoxia in the fetus, thereby affecting the fetal heart rate.

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Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
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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.