In some cases, decreased fetal activity reported by the mother is the first sign of an umbilical cord issue. Most umbilical cord knots pose no threat to a developing baby, especially with careful monitoring. On the other hand, umbilical cord knots can present a risk to a baby when the loop tightens and interferes with the blood flow from the placenta to the baby. In this instance, it can lead to oxygen deprivation, brain damage, or even stillbirth.
A complication is most likely to occur during the delivery process and descent into the birth canal. Unfortunately, there's nothing that moms or providers can do to prevent the onset of an umbilical cord knot. However, early recognition and intervention are essential.
Fewer than 10 fetal movements in two hours merits a call to a provider. Carrying monoamniotic twins identical twins that share the same amniotic sac , or having hydramnios may make a woman more prone to having a pregnancy with a cord knot. The most common sign of a cord knot is decreased fetal activity after week If the knot occurs during labor, a fetal monitor will detect an abnormal heart rate.
A substance called Wharton's jelly provides cushioning around the important blood vessels of the cord and protects them even if the cord gets knotted. This means that the odds are in your favor and your baby's that a true tight knot won't occur. As long as the knot remains loose, it won't cause harm to your baby. But if the knot becomes tight, it could interfere with the circulation of blood from the placenta to the baby and cause oxygen deprivation.
Such a complication is most likely to occur during your baby's descent through the birth canal, but these cases are rare. There is nothing you can do to prevent a knotted umbilical cord.
You can, however, keep a general eye on how your baby is doing, especially later in your pregnancy, by doing regular kick counts and calling your practitioner if you notice any change in fetal activity. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. While you were in your mother's womb, your umbilical cord attached to your navel at one end and to your placenta at the other end. The placenta is a pancake-shaped mass of blood vessels that attaches to the wall of the mother's uterus.
Food that your mother ate and oxygen that she breathed went into her blood, and then was carried to her uterus. Where your placenta and your mother's uterus touched, the food and oxygen was exchanged from your mother's blood to your blood. Your blood than carried the nutrients from the placenta, down the umbilical cord, through your navel, and into your body.
Once you were born, you no longer needed to get food and oxygen through your navel, as you could now get them through your mouth. Trial Attorneys Serving Families Nationwide. Law Offices in Houston and Waco, Texas. Skip to primary navigation Skip to main content Skip to primary sidebar Skip to footer Umbilical Cord Knot Injuries Many birth injuries are caused by medical negligence. Talk to an attorney today. True Knots Like the name, a true knot forms when the umbilical cord loops or interweaves around itself.
Some factors that seem to lead to the formation of true knots include: Older mother Male baby Small baby Active baby Long umbilical cord Excessive amniotic fluid in the sac Second or subsequent pregnancy Multiple babies in utero During labor, knots are formed or tightened as the baby moves around, getting positioned for birth.
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