What does it mean? Umbilical cord abnormalities are problems or unusual conditions affecting the structure, position, or function of the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta and carries oxygen and nutrients, so any abnormality can affect fetal development or delivery.

Types of Umbilical Cord Abnormalities:

1. Cord Length Problems

• Short cord (less than 30 cm): May restrict fetal movement or cause problems during delivery.

• Long cord (over 70 cm): Increases risk of knots, tangling, or cord prolapse.

2. Cord Position or Attachment Issues

• Velamentous insertion: Cord attaches to fetal membranes, not directly to the placenta. Vessels are exposed and can rupture.

• Marginal insertion: Cord attaches at the edge of the placenta instead of the center.

• Vasa previa: Blood vessels from the cord cross the cervix; can rupture during labor, causing severe bleeding.

3. Cord Structure Problems

• Single umbilical artery: Normally there are two arteries and one vein. Having just one artery can be linked to heart or kidney defects.

• True knots: The cord forms a real knot, which may tighten and block blood flow.

• False knots: Bulges in the cord that look like knots but are harmless.

• Cysts or tumors: Rare growths that can compress vessels.

4. Cord Compression or Twisting

• Nuchal cord: Cord wrapped around the baby’s neck, common and usually harmless, but can be risky if tightly wrapped.

• Cord prolapse: Cord slips into the birth canal before the baby, cutting off oxygen.

Effects of Umbilical Cord Abnormalities:

• Reduced oxygen and nutrients to the fetus

• Growth problems

• Low birth weight

• Fetal distress or stillbirth in severe cases

• Complications during delivery

Diagnosis and Management:

• Detected by ultrasound or Doppler imaging

• Monitored closely in pregnancy

• May lead to early delivery or C-section if dangerous

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Favourite part/ note/ summary- Umbilical cord abnormalities are problems or unusual conditions which can affect the structure, position, or function of the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord connects the fetus to the placenta and carries oxygen and nutrients, so any abnormality can affect the fetus during pregnancy or during delivery.

Some abnormalities are:

• Too short or long: A short cord limits movement; a long one can tangle or knot.

• Wrong attachment: Cord connects at the edge or to membranes instead of the center.

• Exposed vessels: Blood vessels lie unprotected and can rupture, especially during labor.

• Single artery: Instead of two arteries, there’s only one—linked to organ problems.

• Real knots: Tight knots in the cord can block blood and oxygen.

• Wrapped around neck: Called a nuchal cord—usually harmless, but risky if tight.

• Cord comes out first: Known as cord prolapse—it can cut off oxygen before birth.