What Is a False Knot

On an ultrasound, any bulge or protuberance in the baby’s umbilical cord is likely to be a false knot. These “knots” are actually slight variations in the cord’s anatomy, usually formed by swollen blood vessels or an excessive covering of Wharton’s jelly.

What is true knot and false knot?

Terminology. True knot is present when the umbilical cord loops upon itself and can be physically released / untied. Pseudoknot (false knot) is merely a varicosity or redundancy of an umbilical vessel (usually the vein) within the cord substance and cannot be physically released in an intact cord.

Can a baby survive a true knot?

Continued. As long as the knot isn’t too tight, blood flow and nutrients aren’t restricted. However, a tight knot leaves your baby without enough oxygen and puts them at risk for brain damage and even stillbirth.