Nuchal umbilical cord is the name given to the umbilical cord when it is coiled around the baby's neck (wrapped around the baby's neck in one or more turns). Therefore, the nuchal umbilical cord may be better known as a cord loop or a circular cord loop.
When a cord loop is detected during a prenatal ultrasound, the cord may even uncoil on its own with the baby's movements and turns.
If there is a circular cord at the time of delivery, the delivery can usually proceed normally vaginally. However, if any complications are detected and the baby has an altered heart rate during labour, the pregnancy will be terminated ab abdominally by caesarean section.
Read the full article on: What complications related to the umbilical cord can occur? ( 66).
By Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).
Last Update: 03/29/2023
