Effect of a Wrapped Umbilical Cord on Pregnancy

A wrapped umbilical cord, also known as a nuchal cord, occurs when the baby’s umbilical cord becomes looped around the neck, typically during pregnancy or labor. While this may sound alarming, it’s actually fairly common and often harmless. In most cases, a wrapped cord does not impact the baby’s oxygen supply or delivery outcome. However, close monitoring and professional care are key to ensuring a safe birth.

Common Causes

The umbilical cord naturally moves with the baby in the womb. Several factors can contribute to a cord becoming wrapped:

Baby’s active movement in the womb
Excess amniotic fluid, giving the cord more room to move
Long umbilical cord
Multiple pregnancies (twins or more), increasing the chance of entanglement
Fetal positioning, especially late in pregnancy when the baby moves into head-down position

A wrapped cord is not usually preventable and often resolves on its own.

Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms of a wrapped cord during pregnancy. Most women will not feel anything unusual, and it’s often not discovered until delivery. However, some possible signs that may prompt closer monitoring include:

If you’re experiencing a noticeable drop in your baby’s movement, it’s important to notify your provider immediately.

Diagnosis

A wrapped umbilical cord can be identified through:

Ultrasound imaging, though it’s not always 100% accurate
Doppler ultrasound, which detects blood flow through the cord
Fetal heart rate monitoring during labor, which may show temporary decelerations if the cord is tight or compressed
Physical observation by the provider during birth

Many nuchal cords are only discovered once labor is underway or the baby is being delivered.

Treatment Options

In most cases, no specific treatment is needed during pregnancy for a wrapped cord. During delivery:

The provider may gently slip the cord over the baby’s head as it emerges.
If the cord is too tight, it may be clamped and cut before the shoulders are delivered.
If there are signs of fetal distress, an emergency cesarean may be performed.

Modern obstetric care ensures that even complicated deliveries due to cord issues can be handled safely and efficiently.

Take control of your health

with Advanced Women's Care

A wrapped umbilical cord is a common and usually minor condition that rarely causes harm when managed properly. Regular prenatal care and fetal monitoring allow healthcare providers to detect any concerns early. At Advanced Women’s Care, we are here to provide expert monitoring, education, and support to guide you through a healthy and confident delivery experience.