Can umbilical cord around the neck perform fetal position correction?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on September 04, 2024
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In cases of nuchal cord, it is not advisable to attempt correcting abnormal fetal positions, because if the fetal position changes abnormally after an attempted correction while the umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck, it may worsen the degree of the nuchal cord, potentially leading to fetal hypoxia or even asphyxiation. However, if the umbilical cord is relatively long, it might not affect the changes in fetal position, and sometimes the fetus can automatically free itself from the nuchal cord through its own movements. It is important to regularly visit the hospital for prenatal check-ups to detect any other potential abnormalities.

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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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Can you exercise with the umbilical cord around the neck?

When a nuchal cord occurs, one should not have too much psychological burden, as it is a fairly common situation. The prognosis should be determined based on the specific circumstances of the nuchal cord, including the number of loops and the tightness of the loops. If the cord wraps around once or if there is a loose knot, appropriate activities can be undertaken. However, if the wrapping is tight, or if there are multiple loops, one should regularly visit the hospital for prenatal check-ups to understand the safety of the fetus in the womb. In such cases, it is necessary to reduce activities to avoid increasing the risk of nuchal cord complications, which could cause fetal hypoxia or even suffocation.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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Is moxibustion useful for breech presentation and nuchal cord?

Fetal breech presentation and nuchal cord can be effectively addressed with moxibustion. Breech positions are common in early pregnancy but typically resolve to a head-first position by 32 weeks and become relatively stable. Higher incidences of breech positions are noted in cases of fetal abnormalities, twin pregnancies, abnormal amounts of amniotic fluid, uterine abnormalities, and narrow pelvis. If a breech position is still present after 32 weeks, moxibustion treatment can be considered. Moxibustion is applied at the Zhiyin acupoint (located 0.1 inches beside the nail corner on the outer side of the little toe) and is generally recommended once daily for 15 to 30 minutes, with one week constituting a treatment course. Afterward, the improvement in the fetal position can be evaluated. The purpose of using moxibustion is to promote fetal activity, which may help resolve nuchal cord entanglement during fetal movements.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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How to prevent umbilical cord entanglement in late pregnancy

There are no effective prevention methods for nuchal cord, which is the most common form of umbilical cord entanglement where the cord wraps around the fetus's neck, limbs, or trunk. Nuchal cord occurs in 90% of these cases, frequently involving the cord wrapping around the neck once. This phenomenon can be observed in 20% of deliveries and is associated with factors such as an overly long umbilical cord, a small fetus, excessive amniotic fluid, and frequent fetal movements. An excessively long umbilical cord is mostly a physiological occurrence since the cord floats in the amniotic fluid and its actual length cannot be accurately measured, with no effective methods to prevent its occurrence. Excessive amniotic fluid and a small fetus are linked to certain pregnancy complications, such as diabetes-induced polyhydramnios and restricted fetal growth. Actively controlling blood sugar during pregnancy can prevent such issues. Frequent fetal movements are physiological for some pregnant women. Women who experience more frequent fetal movements throughout pregnancy are likely to encounter nuchal cord. Clinically, nuchal cord does not require special management unless it leads to obstructions in fetal descent, fetal distress, or variations in fetal heart rate. It does not impact delivery or fetal development.

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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.