How to resolve a double nuchal cord at 37 weeks of pregnancy

Nov 14, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

At 37 weeks of gestation with two loops of nuchal cord, it is essential to follow the doctor's guidance. Currently, there is no direct method to manually "untwist" the umbilical cord. However, monitoring and adjusting maternal physical condition may assist in observation. Recommended measures generally include regular fetal movement counting, adjusting daily postures, controlling activity intensity, maintaining emotional stability, and undergoing routine ultrasound examinations. A detailed analysis is as follows:

　　At 37 weeks, with the umbilical cord wrapped twice around the baby's neck, there is currently no direct method to make the cord "unwrap." However, monitoring and adjusting maternal physical condition can assist observation. This includes regularly counting fetal movements, adjusting daily posture, controlling activity intensity, maintaining emotional stability, and undergoing regular ultrasound examinations. Specific measures are as follows:

　　1. Regularly count fetal movements: Count fetal movements at a fixed time each day for 1–2 hours. If fetal movements occur 3–5 times per hour or at least 10 times within 12 hours, it indicates that the fetus is not significantly oxygen-deprived and that the nuchal cord is not causing adverse effects.

　　2. Adjust daily posture: Avoid prolonged standing or sitting. Rest appropriately in a left lateral position. This posture reduces uterine pressure on blood vessels, improves placental blood supply, and ensures adequate oxygen delivery to the fetus.

　　3. Control activity intensity: Engage in gentle activities such as slow walking during daily routines. Avoid vigorous exercise or large body twists, which may stimulate excessive fetal movement and increase the risk of further cord entanglement.

　　4. Maintain emotional stability: Avoid anxiety and stress. Relax by listening to soothing music or talking with family members. Emotional fluctuations can affect maternal hormone levels and indirectly impact fetal well-being.

　　5. Regular ultrasound examinations: Follow the doctor’s recommendations for routine ultrasounds to monitor the status of the nuchal cord, fetal position, and amniotic fluid volume. Timely interventions can be made if abnormal umbilical blood flow is detected.

　　At 37 weeks with a double nuchal cord, follow your doctor’s guidance closely. Seek immediate medical attention if fetal movements become suddenly abnormal or if abdominal pain occurs. Do not attempt folk remedies or forcefully change body positions, as this may harm the fetus. Stay calm, attend regular prenatal checkups, and prepare for delivery.

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

Whether a baby can be delivered vaginally with one loop of nuchal cord mainly depends on the size of the fetus. If the baby is large, vaginal delivery may not be possible; however, if the baby's size is appropriate, vaginal delivery is usually feasible. Pregnant women should have regular prenatal checkups to monitor fetal growth and their own health condition, maintain a balanced diet and engage in moderate exercise to prepare for a smooth delivery.

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What are the correction methods for nuchal cord (umbilical cord wrapped around the neck once)?

Nuchal cord (umbilical cord wrapped around the neck once) is a common occurrence during pregnancy and generally does not cause serious problems in most cases. However, if the cord is wrapped too tightly, it may adversely affect the fetus. Appropriate exercise, left lateral position, knee-chest position, bridge position, crawling posture, or crawling may help. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Pregnant women should maintain a positive and optimistic attitude in daily life.

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Is it necessary to perform external cephalic version for abnormal fetal position?

If a pregnant woman is around 36–37 weeks gestation, has no complications such as pregnancy-induced hypertension or placenta previa, and the fetus shows no issues like nuchal cord or abnormal fetal heart rate, and if the woman expresses a preference for vaginal delivery, performing external cephalic version (ECV) is advisable. Successful repositioning increases the likelihood of vaginal delivery and reduces problems associated with postoperative recovery from cesarean section, thereby better meeting the health needs of both mother and baby.

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What causes frequent fetal movements at 29 weeks of pregnancy?

In general, frequent fetal movements at 29 weeks of pregnancy may be caused by factors such as the fetus's activity cycle, maternal eating or physical activity, nuchal cord (umbilical cord around the neck), placental abruption, or gestational diabetes. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid excessive fatigue and emotional excitement, eat a balanced diet, and ensure adequate and well-balanced nutrition.