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 Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

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Can the umbilical cord unwrap itself after it has wrapped around the neck and entered the pelvis?

When the fetus has already engaged and there is nuchal cord occurrence, it is generally unlikely for the wrapping to unwind again. This is because once the fetus has engaged, the fetal position is fixed, and the fetus will no longer change its position, making the nuchal cord a more fixed condition. When dealing with nuchal cord, it is important to observe the number of loops and whether the tightness of the loops could impact the fetus. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly attend prenatal appointments at the hospital to monitor its developmental condition. If the nuchal cord loops just once around the neck, it usually does not affect the baby.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

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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 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 Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

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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 Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

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Does the umbilical cord wrapping always involve the neck?

Umbilical cord entanglement around the neck usually occurs during the mid-pregnancy period, as this is when the baby moves more frequently. The baby has a larger range of movement within the uterine cavity, which can easily lead to the cord wrapping around the neck, abdomen, legs, or arms. Generally, if there is no cord entanglement found after 32 weeks of pregnancy, it is unlikely that it will occur. However, this is not certain. After the baby engages, which is after 35 weeks, the baby's position becomes fixed, and it is unlikely for cord entanglement to occur thereafter.