Nuchal cord: Difference between revisions
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'''Nuchal cord''' is a medical condition that occurs when the [[umbilical cord]] wraps around the [[fetus]]' neck 360 degrees. This condition is relatively common and can occur during pregnancy, labor, or birth. | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Nuchal cord | |||
| image = [[File:Tab_IX;_Foetus_in_utero_with_umbilical_cord_wrapped_Wellcome_L0064782_(cropped).jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Illustration of a fetus with a nuchal cord | |||
| field = [[Obstetrics]] | |||
| synonyms = | |||
| symptoms = Usually none, but can include [[fetal distress]] | |||
| complications = [[Hypoxia (medical)|Hypoxia]], [[stillbirth]] | |||
| onset = During [[pregnancy]] | |||
| duration = Until [[birth]] | |||
| causes = [[Umbilical cord]] wrapping around the [[fetal]] neck | |||
| risks = Long umbilical cord, excess [[amniotic fluid]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Ultrasound]] | |||
| differential = | |||
| prevention = None | |||
| treatment = Careful monitoring during [[labor]] and [[delivery]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with proper management | |||
| frequency = Occurs in about 10-29% of pregnancies | |||
}} | |||
[[File:SubConjNuchal.gif|thumb|left|Subconjunctival hemorrhage due to nuchal cord]] | |||
[[File:PetechiaNuchal.gif|thumb|left|Petechiae due to nuchal cord]] | |||
[[File:FacialDusky.gif|thumb|left|Facial dusky appearance due to nuchal cord]] | |||
[[File:AbrasionNuchal.gif|thumb|Abrasion due to nuchal cord]] | |||
'''Nuchal cord''' is a medical condition that occurs when the [[umbilical cord]] wraps around the [[fetus]]' neck 360 degrees. This condition is relatively common and can occur during pregnancy, labor, or birth. | |||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
The exact cause of a nuchal cord is not known. However, it is believed to be related to the movements of the fetus within the womb. The umbilical cord, which connects the fetus to the mother's placenta, can become wrapped around the fetus' neck as it moves and turns. | The exact cause of a nuchal cord is not known. However, it is believed to be related to the movements of the fetus within the womb. The umbilical cord, which connects the fetus to the mother's placenta, can become wrapped around the fetus' neck as it moves and turns. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
A nuchal cord can be diagnosed during pregnancy through an [[ultrasound]] examination. However, it is often not detected until birth. During labor, a healthcare provider may suspect a nuchal cord if there are changes in the baby's heart rate. | A nuchal cord can be diagnosed during pregnancy through an [[ultrasound]] examination. However, it is often not detected until birth. During labor, a healthcare provider may suspect a nuchal cord if there are changes in the baby's heart rate. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
In most cases, a nuchal cord is not a cause for concern and does not require treatment. During birth, the healthcare provider can usually slip the cord over the baby's head or clamp and cut the cord before the baby is delivered. In some cases, a [[Cesarean section]] may be necessary. | In most cases, a nuchal cord is not a cause for concern and does not require treatment. During birth, the healthcare provider can usually slip the cord over the baby's head or clamp and cut the cord before the baby is delivered. In some cases, a [[Cesarean section]] may be necessary. | ||
== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
While a nuchal cord is usually harmless, it can sometimes lead to complications. These can include decreased blood flow to the baby, which can lead to a lower heart rate. In rare cases, a nuchal cord can cause stillbirth. | While a nuchal cord is usually harmless, it can sometimes lead to complications. These can include decreased blood flow to the baby, which can lead to a lower heart rate. In rare cases, a nuchal cord can cause stillbirth. | ||
==Images== | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:USNuchal.gif|Ultrasound showing nuchal cord | |||
File:NuchalFree.gif||Nuchal cord free | |||
File:NuchalLocked.gif|Nuchal cord locked | |||
</gallery> | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Umbilical cord]] | * [[Umbilical cord]] | ||
* [[Cesarean section]] | * [[Cesarean section]] | ||
* [[Stillbirth]] | * [[Stillbirth]] | ||
[[Category:Obstetrics]] | [[Category:Obstetrics]] | ||
[[Category:Childbirth]] | [[Category:Childbirth]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 12:19, 14 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
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| Nuchal cord | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Usually none, but can include fetal distress |
| Complications | Hypoxia, stillbirth |
| Onset | During pregnancy |
| Duration | Until birth |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Umbilical cord wrapping around the fetal neck |
| Risks | Long umbilical cord, excess amniotic fluid |
| Diagnosis | Ultrasound |
| Differential diagnosis | |
| Prevention | None |
| Treatment | Careful monitoring during labor and delivery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with proper management |
| Frequency | Occurs in about 10-29% of pregnancies |
| Deaths | N/A |




Nuchal cord is a medical condition that occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around the fetus' neck 360 degrees. This condition is relatively common and can occur during pregnancy, labor, or birth.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of a nuchal cord is not known. However, it is believed to be related to the movements of the fetus within the womb. The umbilical cord, which connects the fetus to the mother's placenta, can become wrapped around the fetus' neck as it moves and turns.
Diagnosis[edit]
A nuchal cord can be diagnosed during pregnancy through an ultrasound examination. However, it is often not detected until birth. During labor, a healthcare provider may suspect a nuchal cord if there are changes in the baby's heart rate.
Treatment[edit]
In most cases, a nuchal cord is not a cause for concern and does not require treatment. During birth, the healthcare provider can usually slip the cord over the baby's head or clamp and cut the cord before the baby is delivered. In some cases, a Cesarean section may be necessary.
Complications[edit]
While a nuchal cord is usually harmless, it can sometimes lead to complications. These can include decreased blood flow to the baby, which can lead to a lower heart rate. In rare cases, a nuchal cord can cause stillbirth.
Images[edit]
-
Ultrasound showing nuchal cord
-
Nuchal cord free
-
Nuchal cord locked