Complications of the umbilical cord

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The umbilical cord is a flexible structure that acts as a link between the mother and the baby. Its main function during pregnancy is to provide the necessary nutrients to the baby and remove waste products from it.

Below you have an index with all the points that we will discuss in this article.

Index

Complications of the umbilical cord

Throughout pregnancy and during delivery, various complications related to the umbilical cord can occur. From false knots that do not pose any problem for either the mother or the baby, to the vasa previa that can lead to fetal death .

Ultrasound of pregnancy

With the latest advances in prenatal ultrasound, many of these complications can be diagnosed in the uterus, although there are some that can not be seen before delivery.

Among the disorders of the umbilical cord that can cause harm to both the fetus and the mother, we highlight the following:

  • Cord wrapping around the fetus, usually the neck.
  • Unique umbilical artery. The umbilical cord usually consists of two arteries and a vein; this pathology is based on the absence of one of the two arteries.
  • Cord knots
  • Vasa previa: when a glass passes through the cervical orifice before the fetus.

In addition to these, we also find cord prolapse, which we explain in detail below.

Prolapse of umbilical cord

The umbilical cord prolapse appears when the cord leaves the birth canal before the fetus, causing a compression of the umbilical cord by the head of the fetus (it can also be through the buttocks). This supposes a limitation of the contribution of blood and oxygen to the baby that can cause a decrease in his cardiac frequency and therefore endanger his life.

In many cases it is possible to normalize the situation by supplying oxygen and fluids, although in some cases it is necessary to accelerate the delivery naturally, through suction cup or forceps or perform a cesarean section.

This complication usually occurs in approximately one in every 300 births.

Why is cord prolapse produced?

The most common cause of the prolapse is the premature rupture of the membranes that contain the amniotic fluid. Other possible causes are:

  • Premature delivery
  • Multiple delivery: twins, triplets, etc.
  • Excess quantity of amniotic fluid
  • Breech or breech delivery
  • Abnormally long umbilical cord
Very long umbilical cord
  • Artificial rupture of the membranes (pouch) during induction of labor.
  • Low insertion placenta

Diagnosis and treatment

This complication can be diagnosed by the following procedures:

  • Vision of the cord, either directly by locating in the vulva or by speculum in the vagina.
  • Touching the cord by vaginal touch
  • Decreased fetal movement
  • Modification of the color of the amniotic fluid

This disorder can pose a high risk of lack of oxygen in the fetus, so it is important to treat it immediately. It will try to apply any method that reduces the pressure exerted by the cord on the fetus and that reduces the worsening of the fetal circulation.

Decrease uterine dynamics, fill the maternal urinary bladder with saline solution, place the patient in a genupectoral position or administer oxygen to the mother are some of the recommended actions.

Only in cases where natural childbirth can be imminent without presuming trauma will it be done vaginally. But, in most situations, especially the most serious, cesarean delivery will be caused, since the longer it takes to resolve the prolapse, the greater the probability of life problems (brain damage or death) for the baby.


childbirth cesareo in Malaga(Spain)

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