What to do about nuchal cord
Disease description:
Just finished my prenatal checkup, and the B-ultrasound shows the fetal umbilical cord is wrapped around the neck. I feel very anxious. I can't tell whether the fetal movements are normal or not in daily life. What should I do in this situation?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
For nuchal cord, it is generally necessary to monitor fetal movement, attend regular prenatal checkups, and maintain good habits.
Close monitoring of fetal movement is important. Pregnant women should develop the habit of counting fetal movements daily. Normal fetal movement occurs 30 to 40 times every 12 hours. Sudden frequent movements or a significant decrease in fetal movement may indicate fetal hypoxia, and immediate medical attention is required.
Regular prenatal examinations are also essential. Doctors will use ultrasound and other tests to dynamically monitor the status of the nuchal cord and fetal development. In most cases, the umbilical cord is elastic, and as long as the cord is not tightly wrapped, it will not affect the fetal blood supply, allowing the fetus to develop normally.
In daily life, pregnant women should maintain healthy habits, avoiding strenuous exercise and sudden changes in posture to prevent the cord from tightening around the fetus due to external pulling. Sleeping in a left lateral position is recommended to improve uteroplacental blood circulation.
In most cases, mild nuchal cords allow for normal delivery. If there are multiple loops around the neck or the cord is wrapped too tightly, and assessment suggests potential risks to the fetus, doctors will develop an appropriate delivery plan, such as cesarean section, to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
