The question is, what happens if cord is around baby’s neck? Many parents do not even know that this can happen or is a thing. Truth of the matter is that the umbilical cord wrapped around a baby’s neck can happen not only during pregnancy, but also during labor and deliver. This can then prompt the question what happens if cord is around baby’s neck?
In this Maryland birth injury educational article, I am going to discuss what happens if cord is around baby’s neck? Not all cases in which this presents will have complications, but in some, it will.
WHAT DOES THE UMBILICAL CORD DO?
During pregnancy, one of the most important things to the baby is the umbilical cord. This is because the umbilical cord is the connection between mother and baby. It is responsible for providing blood, oxygen, and other nutrients to the baby.
The umbilical cord grows from the placenta, which is a temporary protective housing for the baby. The umbilical vein provides oxygenated blood from the placenta to the baby. The umbilical artery is responsible for removing used oxygenated blood from the baby.
WHAT HAPPENS IF CORD AROUND BABY’S NECK?
The term for when the umbilical cord is around the baby’s neck is called nuchal cord. In many instances when the umbilical cord is around the baby’s neck, nothing happens. Problems can occur when the cord is tightly wrapped around the baby’s neck, restricting the flow of blood and oxygen.
In some cases, an ultrasound can be used to see if nuchal cord is present. For other cases, during labor and delivery, the doctors may be able to slip the cord from around the baby’s neck.
When nuchal cord is present and there is evidence of fetal distress during labor and delivery, doctors must be ready to move to an emergency C-section if other conservative treatments fail. A restriction of blood and oxygen can lead to a brain injury if left untreated. As a matter of fact, HIE, or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy may come into play (HIE is essentially a reduced level of blood and oxygen leading to a brain injury).
DID NUCHAL CORD CAUSE YOUR BABY’S BRAIN INJURY?
Hopefully now you have a better understanding of what happen if cord around baby’s neck. In some cases, things will be fine. In others, this may not be the case. To speak with me further about your baby’s brain injury at birth, or recent cerebral palsy diagnosis, this is what I invite you to do.
Pick up the phone and give me a call. I can be reached at 301-850-4832. I answer questions regarding labor and delivery, brain injuries, cerebral palsy diagnosis, and much more surrounding birth injuries all the time and I would be happy to listen to your story.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 700
Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
1-833-4 BABY HELP
