Can nuchal cord be corrected by lying prone?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Nuchal cord refers to a condition during pregnancy where the umbilical cord wraps around the fetus's neck or abdomen due to the baby's continuous movements and changes in position. Lying prone cannot correct a nuchal cord because the fetus can move freely within the womb. In some cases, the baby may even resolve the issue through its movements, so there is no need for excessive worry. It is only necessary to visit the hospital regularly for prenatal check-ups, follow the doctor's advice, and monitor the fetal heart rate. Generally, this does not cause any adverse effects.

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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.

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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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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 Du Rui Xia
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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.

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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.