Can you have a natural delivery with the umbilical cord wrapped once around the baby's neck?

In general, whether a vaginal delivery is possible when the umbilical cord is wrapped once around the baby's neck mainly depends on the size of the fetus. If the fetus is large, a vaginal delivery may not be feasible; however, if the fetal size is appropriate, a normal delivery is usually possible. Seek medical advice promptly if any discomfort occurs. The detailed explanation is as follows:

When the fetus is relatively large, the diameter of its head and body may exceed the normal capacity of the birth canal. In such cases, an umbilical cord wrapped once around the neck further increases the difficulty and risk of delivery. The cord wrapping may restrict the rotation and descent of the fetal head, leading to prolonged labor, fetal distress, or even obstructed labor, making vaginal delivery impossible. To avoid these risks, doctors may recommend safer delivery methods such as cesarean section.

If the fetal weight and size are within the normal range and match the maternal birth canal, vaginal delivery is usually achievable even with a single loop of cord around the neck. In such cases, doctors can continuously monitor the fetal heart rate, fetal movements, and cervical dilation to determine whether emergency interventions are needed. If labor progresses smoothly, the baby can be delivered vaginally through normal birthing mechanisms such as rotation, descent, and expulsion.

Pregnant women should attend regular prenatal checkups to monitor fetal growth and their own health. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in moderate exercise during pregnancy can help control fetal weight and size, preparing the body for a smoother delivery.