During pregnancy, the umbilical cord plays an essential role in providing vital nutrients, oxygen, and removing waste products from the developing fetus. The cord is a flexible tube-like structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, which is attached to the wall of the uterus.
In some cases, the umbilical cord can wrap around the fetus’s neck, also known as nuchal cord. According to research, nuchal cords occur in 10-37% of pregnancies, and in most cases, it doesn’t cause any harm to the fetus. However, in some rare instances, it can lead to complications during labor and delivery.
Here are some reasons why the umbilical cord may wrap around the fetus’s neck:
Fetal movement: During pregnancy, the fetus moves around frequently, and sometimes it may move through the cord loop, causing it to wrap around the neck.
Long umbilical cord: A long umbilical cord increases the risk of nuchal cord. If the cord is too long, the fetus can move through the loop and cause it to wrap around the neck.
Excessive amniotic fluid: If there is too much amniotic fluid in the uterus, the fetus can move freely, increasing the chances of the cord wrapping around the neck.
Abnormal fetal positioning: If the fetus is in a breech position, there is a higher chance of the cord wrapping around the neck.
Maternal factors: Maternal factors like smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity can increase the risk of nuchal cord.
In most cases, nuchal cord does not cause any harm to the fetus, and it is only detected during delivery. The medical team will monitor the fetal heart rate closely during labor and delivery and take necessary measures if there are any signs of distress. In rare cases, the nuchal cord may cause complications like reduced blood flow and oxygen to the fetus, which may lead to fetal distress, and in some severe cases, it may result in stillbirth.
In conclusion, nuchal cord is a common occurrence during pregnancy and doesn’t cause any harm in most cases. However, if you are concerned about your pregnancy or notice any unusual symptoms, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider. Regular prenatal checkups and monitoring can help identify and manage any potential complications.
