Can a normal vaginal delivery occur at 37 weeks of pregnancy with the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck twice?

In general, whether a vaginal delivery is possible when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the fetal neck twice at 37 weeks of pregnancy depends on the degree of impact the cord entanglement has on the fetus. If there is no significant effect on the fetus, a trial of vaginal delivery may be considered. However, if the umbilical cord is tightly wrapped and affecting the fetus, vaginal delivery is usually not recommended. If any discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is advised, and symptomatic treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the mother has favorable birth canal conditions, the fetal size is appropriate, the fetal position is normal, and fetal heart rate monitoring shows normal results without signs of fetal distress in utero, then a vaginal delivery may be attempted even with the presence of the umbilical cord being wrapped around the neck twice. During labor, the umbilical cord has a certain degree of extensibility and elasticity, and the wrapped cord may naturally loosen as the fetal head descends.

However, if the umbilical cord is tightly wrapped around the neck, it may lead to fetal hypoxia in utero or abnormal fetal movements, increasing the risk to the fetus during vaginal delivery. In such cases, doctors may recommend a cesarean section to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.

Throughout pregnancy, maintaining good communication with your physician, following medical advice, and attending regular prenatal checkups are important to ensure the health of both mother and child.