What are the effects on a child born with umbilical cord torsion?
Oct 09, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, babies born with umbilical cord torsion may present with no abnormalities or may experience low birth weight, nuchal cord, fetal distress in utero, or neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance for symptomatic treatment. In addition, umbilical cord torsion may potentially lead to stillbirth. Pregnant women are recommended to undergo regular prenatal check-ups to monitor the fetal condition in utero.
Under normal circumstances, babies born with umbilical cord torsion may present with no abnormalities, low birth weight, nuchal cord, fetal distress in utero, or neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. No Abnormalities
Umbilical cord torsion is mostly a normal physiological phenomenon. Fetal movement can cause the normal umbilical cord to twist along its longitudinal axis, with physiological twisting reaching 6–11 turns. This typically does not affect fetal oxygen supply, and most newborns show no abnormalities.
2. Low Birth Weight
Umbilical cord torsion refers to twisting of the umbilical cord around the fetal neck, which may result from factors such as an excessively long umbilical cord, small fetal size, or polyhydramnios. If the torsion is severe, it may lead to low birth weight in the infant. In such cases, pregnant women should promptly seek medical attention and, under physician guidance, undergo tests such as fetal heart rate monitoring and ultrasound to assess fetal growth and development.
3. Nuchal Cord
When umbilical cord torsion is severe, it may shorten the effective length of the cord, leading to nuchal cord (cord around the neck). Pregnant women should seek timely medical evaluation and, under medical supervision, may receive manual repositioning treatments if necessary.
4. Fetal Distress In Utero
Severe umbilical cord torsion may lead to fetal distress in utero. Immediate medical attention is required, and treatment such as oxygen therapy may be administered under physician guidance.
5. Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Excessive umbilical cord torsion can cause intrauterine hypoxia in the fetus due to insufficient oxygen supply to brain tissue, resulting in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after birth. Parents may administer medications such as glutathione for injection or fructose diphosphate sodium oral solution to the child as directed by a physician.
In addition, severe umbilical cord torsion may potentially lead to stillbirth. Pregnant women are advised to attend regular prenatal checkups to monitor fetal condition in utero. Any discomfort or concerns should prompt immediate evaluation and treatment at a qualified medical facility.
