Normally, the length of the umbilical cord is about 15 to 27 inches (40 to 70 cm). But sometimes it is longer — and there is a risk that it can ensnare baby during delivery. A baby’s leg, arm, or neck can get caught in the loops of the umbilical cord [1]. As a rule, doctors know how to handle these situations.
Why might the umbilical cord be longer than it should be?
From to a large-scale Norwegian study, researchers learned that an umbilical cord may be longer than normal if the mother is tall, has a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, or has diabetes mellitus [1].
How to detect entanglement?
You can detect the entanglement with the help of ultrasound in the third trimester. But sometimes the sudden convulsive activity of the baby is a reason for additional examinations: it can be a consequence of oxygen starvation, which occurred due to a knot on the umbilical cord [2]. A knot can prevent the flow of oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the child — and the baby can die.
What should I do if the doctor find an entanglement or a knot in the umbilical cord?
Entwining can be single, double, and even multiple — tight or non-tight. Most often there is a non-tight single entanglement. Then you do not need to do anything special: just wait for the baby to be born, and from time to time monitor the cord with the help of ultrasound.
On the other hand, a knot is a more serious matter, because it can disrupt blood flow. According to ultrasound, it is difficult to distinguish loops from knots, so a mother at risk is recommended to do CTG and Dopplerometry. If the doctor finds a knot in the umbilical cord, and the baby is experiencing oxygen starvation, then a C-section will be required [2].
Is vaginal birth possible with entanglement?
With a non-severe single and even double loops, you can give birth vaginally. Your doctor will take extra precautions and monitor the baby’s heartbeat frequently to ensure that baby’s vitals are strong. If the heartbeat slows down significantly, an emergency C-section is possible. If the entanglement is tight and if there are several loops around the neck, then natural childbirth can be dangerous. Your doctor will counsel you through the options, but a C-section may be necessary.
