Nuchal cord

Nuchal Cord

Nuchal cord (/ˈnjuːkəl kɔːrd/) is a medical term referring to a complication that occurs when the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the fetus's neck 360 degrees.

Etymology

The term "nuchal cord" is derived from the Latin word "nucha," meaning "nape" or "back of the neck," and the English word "cord," which refers to the umbilical cord.

Definition

A nuchal cord is defined as the presence of the umbilical cord around the neck of the fetus in 360 degrees. This condition is relatively common and can occur in up to 30% of pregnancies. It is usually detected during routine prenatal ultrasounds.

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. Other factors that may contribute to the development of a nuchal cord include a long umbilical cord, excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), and multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.).

Complications

While a nuchal cord is often harmless, it can sometimes lead to complications. These may include decreased fetal movement, abnormal heart rate patterns, and in severe cases, stillbirth.

Treatment

Treatment for a nuchal cord depends on the specific circumstances. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. If the nuchal cord is causing complications, a healthcare provider may attempt to manually unwrap the cord during delivery. In some cases, a cesarean section may be necessary.

Related Terms

• Umbilical cord
• Polyhydramnios
• Twins
• Triplets
• Stillbirth
• Cesarean section

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Nuchal cord
• Wikipedia's article - Nuchal cord

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