Umbilical cord around the neck ultrasound manifestations

Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

Updated on September 13, 2024

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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

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 Zhao Su Min

Obstetrics

1min

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

An umbilical cord wrapped around the neck once is generally manageable with normal delivery. An umbilical cord wrapped around the neck indicates that the cord is relatively long, or that the fetus has a large range of movement within the womb. The occurrence of the cord around the neck, if just one loop, usually does not affect the delivery and does not cause fetal distress inside the womb. If the cord is wrapped around the neck three times or more, a cesarean section may be considered to end the pregnancy. Moreover, the decision for normal delivery should also consider the baby’s size or the size of the pelvis. At 39 weeks of pregnancy, if there are no signs of labor, it is advisable to go to the hospital to check the pelvis to see if vaginal delivery is possible. If vaginal delivery is possible, one can wait; if not, a cesarean section is recommended.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

1min

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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.

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Written by Zhang Lu

Obstetrics

1min 2sec

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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.

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Written by Du Rui Xia

Obstetrics

52sec

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Does umbilical cord around the neck require a B-ultrasound recheck?

When there is a situation of umbilical cord around the neck, pregnant women need to regularly visit the hospital for an ultrasound checkup to understand the condition of the umbilical cord entanglement, mainly to monitor the umbilical blood flow. If there is an increase in umbilical blood flow, it indicates that the cord entanglement is tight, which can affect the baby's safety, potentially leading to lack of oxygen or suffocation. Therefore, in the late stages of pregnancy, it is also necessary to go to the hospital every 3-7 days for fetal heart monitoring to check if there is any lack of oxygen in the fetus while inside the womb. If there is fetal hypoxia in the late stages of pregnancy, it is advisable to terminate the pregnancy in a timely manner.