If your baby has their umbilical cord around their neck during pregnancy does that always mean that they will suffer a traumatic brain injury like HIE? This is one of the most asked questions on our social media pages and offline contacts and many families believe that when this happens their baby is automatically “doomed”. The umbilical cord is essential in a baby’s development and this article and supporting video will help families who may be dealing with this issue understand key issues.
The short answer to the above question is that if your baby has their umbilical cord around their neck during pregnancy that does not automatically mean that they will suffer a brain injury. Hopefully that will clear up some confusion around this issue.
What Is Nuchal Cord?
When the umbilical cord is around the baby’s neck this is called nuchal cord. According to some information, a nuchal cord can occur anywhere from 20 to 30 percent of the time during deliveries. The thing is for a lot of babies, nuchal cord will not cause any problems. This is not to say that it will never be problematic, but for many babies they will be “ok” so to speak.
If you are currently pregnant and have been alerted that nuchal cord is present, you should voice any of your concerns to your medical professionals and be sure to pay close attention to your baby’s fetal movement. During pregnancy if you at any time begin to feel decreased fetal movement you should contact your medical professionals and make them aware of what is going on. They will then be able to advise you of the next steps based on your condition.
Umbilical Cord Around Neck During Pregnancy Always Means Brain Injury?
As mentioned above, a nuchal cord during pregnancy does not automatically mean that your baby will suffer a traumatic brain injury like HIE. During labor and delivery nuchal cord can become dangerous if the cord becomes compressed. The same can be said for during pregnancy. With labor and delivery if there is delivery at a hospital or facility using electronic fetal heart monitoring, doctors and nurses can see in real time how the baby is reacting to a vaginal delivery.
If something like a nuchal cord is occurring and cord compression is present, then the readings on the monitor may reflect accordingly. Medical professionals are trained to understand these readings and treat accordingly when problems arise. A baby can suffer traumatic brain injury like HIE when problems arise and are missed.
To speak with us further about your baby’s traumatic brain injury at birth I invite you to call me at my contact information below. It cost nothing for you to speak with us about your baby’s injury and we will be happy to listen to your baby’s story.
Marcus B. Boston, Esq.
9701 Apollo Dr. Suite 100
Largo, Maryland 20774
1-833-4 BABY HELP
