When Umbilical Cord Wrapped Around Neck?

A nuchal cord is a complication that occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around the baby's neck one or more times. This is common and occurs in about 15 to 35 percent of pregnancies. Often, nuchal cords do not impact pregnancy outcomes.

What causes the umbilical cord to wrap around a baby's neck?

What causes nuchal cords? Random fetal movement is the primary cause of a nuchal cord. Other factors that might increase the risk of the umbilical cord wrapping around a baby's neck include an extra-long umbilical cord or excess amniotic fluid that allows more fetal movement.

What do you do if umbilical cord is wrapped around baby's neck?

If the cord's wrapped around your baby's neck very tightly, your midwife may clamp and cut the cord before his shoulders are born. It's unusual for this to be needed though. Your midwife will be able to tell if there are any issues with blood flow in the cord from your baby's heart rate.