How unsafe umbilical cord around neck twice at 37weeks?
I am 37 weeks 3 days first time pregnant. My amniotic fluid was low around 8.3cm and they have done NST. Everything looked fine with baby's heart rate a week back. They again ordered US to check about fluid. It went up to 9.51 cm but still less than 10 so they still count it as low. During that ultra sound they found that my little girl is wrapped with cord twice in her neck area. Now they have put me on regular NST to check heart rate of a baby.
I am already 37w so is it advisable to push for labor by not risking anyone's life? Doctor seems to be indicating that lets monitor for one more week and we will take decision but I am worried what if by accident something goes wrong with the cord wrapped around neck.
I am sure they will take care it during labor but right now question is to buy more time or ready to go for induced or C- section because of it??
Please share your thoughts on this. I am worried for it every moment. Baby is active and kicking fine. Yesterday doc measured 143 baby's hear rate . Fluid level stands out 9.51cm as well.
is it safe to wait? as baby is inside and can umbilical cord suddenly get tight on its own or because of certain activities of mother(sleeping, sitting positions)?? that can possible block the oxygen flow of the baby? or the cord is always safe for baby when inside and problematic while only in labor? as she is 37 weeks+, baby has already taken position for birth.
would it be wise to wait for a natural birth or rush for no risk decision as induced or c-section delivery? doctor does not seem to rush at least for a week. only the fear is what if something happens while waiting. That scares her lot and she seems to be stressed. Please help.
What is best for baby's and my health?
Thanks.
Thank you everyone for your information and suggestions.
Still I am worried about one question. What happens to the cord around neck in last weeks of pregnancy? Does it stay there as it is? As baby already take position for birth, would the cord wrapped around the neck be a problem till baby stays inside? Does any activity of the mother contributes to how cord would be better for a baby or worst for a baby? what are those activities?
I am less worried about what happens during labor as i trust doctor to do her job well. My worries and questions are more related to baby's safety(heart rate and oxygen supply) when she is inside till labor.
Thanks a lot for your time and help.
6 Responses so far ↓
That's a fact...look it up! on Feb 1, 2010 at 8:38 am
Since you are giving birth at the hospital, they will use the fetal monitor to assess your baby's well-being. If there are significant decelerations in the baby's heartrate (heartrate drops) and they are jsut after the contraction or do not recover quickly (go back up), then it is assumed that the cord is causing it and they may do a C-section for fetal distress. As a Labor and Delivery RN, I can tell you about 30% of all babies born have the cord around the neck at least once. There have been numerous occasions I've taken care of a patient with a "nuchal X 2" (cord around neck twice) that's had a vaginal delivery.
Just wait and see what your physician recommends……is she having you come in for non-stress tests every few days?
Jaymes Mommy on Feb 2, 2010 at 8:38 am
This story is not meant to scare but just to advise. I was born with the cord around my neck as well. I came out blue like a smurf. I didn't cry much more like grunted but I was fine. Unfortunately 9 days later I still had fluid in my lungs and stopped breathing. My mother and father had to perform CPR on me and I was in the hospital for awhile. But as you can see all is well because I'm sitting here talking to you. The best advice I can give you is do whatever the doctors say and as soon as that baby is born, let her cry. The more she cries in the beginning, the more fluid will get out of her lungs and there shouldn't be a problem. Do whatever they say, they are the professionals and will do the most to help you and your child. Plus its not good for you to be stressed about the situation either, which in turn could effect the baby. So don't worry, try and stay calm and listen to the doctors. Good luck to you and your baby!
Danny's Mommy 9/10/09 on Feb 3, 2010 at 8:38 am
It is actually very common for the cord to be wrapped around the neck, most people just don't know it because they don't get an ultrasound before birth. I wouldn't worry about it, they will take care of it when you give birth. There is really no need to rush it.
Jen on Feb 4, 2010 at 8:38 am
If the doctor's know before hand, that the cord is wrapped around the baby's neck, they will most likely do a c-section. If it is wrapped around the baby's next, pushing in labor could cause it to tighten against the baby's next. Depending on how long it takes you to push while the cord is on the baby's neck, could obviously kill the child. It is in your best interest in doing a c=section. Make sure you talk to the doctors about your concerns and that they listen to you! I can't see any logical doctor telling you to go through will labor with the cord wrapped, not once, but twice around the baby's neck.
Mommy to 4 boys :) on Feb 5, 2010 at 8:38 am
A cord around then neck isn't dangerous unless it becomes extremely stretched or compressed. Many babies are born with the cord around the neck.
"It's often helpful to remember that the baby does not get its oxygen through the mouth and nose, as we do, but that the mother does the breathing for the two of them. Furthermore, umbilical cords have mechanisms in place to help them keep functioning even when stretched.
The truth is, most babies who are born with the cord around their neck require only an extra moment at birth for the practitioner to unwind it, and then go on to be perfectly healthy."
http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,53…
In my opinion..a baby born before it's lungs are developed enough for birth is much more dangerous than a cord around the neck.
Jean on Feb 6, 2010 at 8:38 am
Lots of babies have the cord wrapped around their necks at birth. My son had his wrapped around his neck once and torso once, and my daughter was tangled in hers, it happens. They won't do a c-section unless your baby is showing signs of distress during labour, but they will monitor you more closely now that they know and you'll be told to stop pushing after the baby's head is born so that they can slip the cord back over her head. Nothing you can do will cause things to get either worse or better. they're keeping a close eye on you and your baby right now, so try not to stress about things and listen to your doctors advice
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