The umbilical cord is like a lifeline between you and your baby, providing all the oxygen and nutrients they need to grow and thrive inside the womb. But sometimes, this amazing cord can become wrapped around the baby, leading to concerns about how it might affect labor and delivery.
If you’ve heard stories about umbilical cord entanglement and are wondering how it happens, what it means for your baby, and whether it’s something to worry about, you’re in the right place! Let’s break it all down in a friendly, easy-to-understand way.
What Does the Umbilical Cord Do?
The umbilical cord is essential for your baby’s development. Think of it as a superhighway for oxygen, nutrients, and waste removal. It connects your baby to the placenta, allowing them to get everything they need to grow while they float around in amniotic fluid.
A healthy umbilical cord has:
- Two arteries and one vein that transport oxygen and nutrients.
- Wharton’s jelly, a thick, protective substance that cushions the cord and prevents it from getting compressed.
- A flexible, spiraled structure, which makes it durable and resistant to damage.
How Does the Umbilical Cord Get Entangled Around the Baby?
Babies are naturally active in the womb, moving, kicking, and rolling as they develop. Because the umbilical cord is floating freely in the amniotic fluid, it can sometimes become wrapped around the baby’s body, arms, legs, or even neck.
This is known as a nuchal cord when it wraps around the neck, or cord entanglement when it’s around other parts of the body.
Some common reasons why this happens:
- Baby’s movement – Since the cord is floating in fluid, an active baby can twist or roll into it.
- Longer umbilical cords – Some cords are naturally longer, increasing the chances of loops forming.
- More amniotic fluid – More fluid gives the baby extra room to move, which can lead to loops and twists.
- Twisting of the cord itself – The umbilical cord naturally has a spiral shape, and sometimes it coils even more as the baby moves.
It’s estimated that 20-30% of babies are born with a nuchal cord, and in most cases, it doesn’t cause any problems at all.
Does a Wrapped Umbilical Cord Hurt the Baby?
Most of the time, an umbilical cord around the baby is not a big deal. The cord is designed to handle bending and twisting without stopping blood flow, thanks to Wharton’s jelly protecting the blood vessels.
However, in rare cases, an umbilical cord can become compressed or overly tight, leading to:
- Changes in oxygen supply – If the cord is squeezed too tightly during contractions, it can temporarily reduce oxygen to the baby.
- Heart rate variations – This can show up as dips in the baby’s heart rate (called decelerations) during labor.
- Longer labor or difficulty descending – If the cord is wrapped in a way that restricts movement, it can slow the baby’s progress through the birth canal.
Fortunately, most nuchal cords do not affect labor or harm the baby. Doctors and midwives routinely check for cord issues and can easily adjust if needed.
How Do Doctors and Midwives Handle Umbilical Cord Entanglement During Birth?
If a nuchal cord or entanglement is suspected or detected, your birth team will take the best approach to keep both you and your baby safe.
Some common ways they handle it:
- Gently slipping the cord over the baby’s head – If it’s loosely wrapped, they can simply lift it over as the baby is born.
- Using the “somersault maneuver” – If the cord is snug, they may help guide the baby’s body out first while keeping the head close to the mother to avoid pulling the cord tight.
- Clamping and cutting the cord before full delivery – In rare cases, if the cord is very tight and restricting blood flow, it may be cut before the shoulders are delivered.
Most babies born with a nuchal cord or cord entanglement are completely fine and need no extra care after birth.
Can You Prevent the Umbilical Cord From Getting Wrapped Around the Baby?
Since baby movement in the womb is natural and necessary, there’s really no way to prevent the umbilical cord from looping or wrapping. However, staying healthy during pregnancy and keeping up with prenatal visits allows your provider to monitor your baby’s well-being and detect any concerns early.
When Should You Be Concerned About the Umbilical Cord?
While most umbilical cord entanglements are harmless, contact your provider if you notice:
- A sudden decrease in baby’s movements (less than 10 movements in 2 hours).
- A significant change in movement patterns (more frantic or sluggish movements).
- Concerns during a routine ultrasound, where your provider may notice a tight nuchal cord or other cord-related concerns.
Trusting the Process: Your Baby and the Umbilical Cord During Birth
The umbilical cord is an amazing structure, designed to support and protect your baby throughout pregnancy and birth. While it can sometimes wrap around the baby, in most cases, it does not cause complications and is easily managed by experienced healthcare providers.
Labor and birth are full of unknowns, but your body and your baby are working together in the best way possible. And before you know it, that cord will be cut, and you’ll be holding your beautiful baby in your arms!
