What should I do if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby's neck twice at 34 weeks of pregnancy?
At 34 weeks of pregnancy, a two-loop nuchal cord (umbilical cord wrapped around the fetal neck twice) can generally be managed through regular prenatal checkups, adjusting sleeping positions, monitoring fetal movements, increasing physical activity, or surgical intervention. Specific measures are analyzed as follows:
1. Regular Prenatal Checkups
At 34 weeks of gestation, if ultrasound reveals that the umbilical cord is wrapped twice around the baby's neck, it is recommended to undergo regular abdominal ultrasounds at the hospital to monitor the specific condition—whether it improves or worsens—and determine further treatment accordingly.
2. Improve Sleeping Position
When a two-loop nuchal cord is detected, pregnant women should try to maintain a left-side lying position during daily rest. This may help improve blood supply through the umbilical cord and potentially alleviate the nuchal cord condition.
3. Monitor Fetal Movements Regularly
Pregnant women should regularly count fetal movements. A noticeable decrease in fetal movement may indicate fetal hypoxia, requiring immediate medical attention.
4. Increase Physical Activity
Under a doctor’s guidance, pregnant women may perform exercises such as pelvic lifts to encourage fetal movement and rotation, which might help relieve the nuchal cord.
5. Surgical Treatment
If signs of fetal distress occur due to the two-loop nuchal cord, prompt delivery via cesarean section at a qualified hospital is recommended to prevent organ damage caused by oxygen deprivation.
If a two-loop nuchal cord is diagnosed at 34 weeks of pregnancy, it is also advised to get adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue.