Is it dangerous for the umbilical cord to be wrapped around the neck during the mid-stage of pregnancy?

Written by Zhang Lu
Obstetrics
Updated on September 18, 2024
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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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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 Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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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.

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Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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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 Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Why doesn't the ultrasound show the umbilical cord around the neck?

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 Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
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What should I do if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck once during the mid-pregnancy?

The incidence of the umbilical cord wrapping around the neck once is quite high, accounting for about one-fifth of pregnant women. Generally, if the umbilical cord is loosely wrapped around the child's neck, and if the cord is long enough, it usually does not have a significant impact on the fetus. However, if the umbilical cord is tightly wrapped around the neck, and additionally, if the cord is relatively short, it can sometimes lead to pulling and thinning of the cord, causing obstruction in the blood vessels within the cord. This can result in oxygen deficiency for the baby. Therefore, during the mid-pregnancy period when umbilical cord entanglement occurs, it is important to enhance monitoring. Regular prenatal check-ups, counting fetal movements by oneself, and frequent monitoring of fetal heart rate changes are advisable.