Dangerous complications of fetal umbilical cord torsion

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Phuong - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.
The fetal umbilical cord is one of the important parts that help the fetus receive oxygen and nutrients from the mother. One of the most dangerous umbilical cord problems is twisting of the umbilical cord. This is one of the quite dangerous pregnancy complications, umbilical cord torsion occurs when the number of twists exceeds the limit of bearing capacity of the umbilical cord.

1. What is umbilical cord torsion?

In recent months, there have been many maternity incidents with many unfortunate consequences. One of the causes of pregnancy complications is related to the umbilical cord. The group of causes related to the umbilical cord includes anatomical abnormalities of the umbilical cord or due to the rotation of the fetus in the uterus, the most common being the phenomenon of the umbilical cord wrapped around the neck, the umbilical cord knotted and the umbilical cord. More rarely it is torsion of the umbilical cord.
As the fetus develops in utero, the umbilical cord acts as the life vessel bringing the baby oxygen and nutrients from the mother's body. But this important connection can also pose threats during the process. labor and birth. One of those dangers is twisting the umbilical cord.

2. Cause

Other than the two most common causes, cord torsion can occur even if the cord is of normal or abnormal length. The line between harmless cord twisting and harmful cord twisting is unpredictable.
Umbilical cord torsion occurs when the number of twists exceeds the strength limit of the umbilical cord. At this time, the force of compression of the umbilical cord will cause a lack of oxygen and nutrients for the fetus. The number of twists that can lead to life-threatening complications in the fetus depends on the length of the umbilical cord. On average, the umbilical cord will withstand one twist for every 5cm of cord. This abnormality related to the umbilical cord is one of the most unpredictable risks during pregnancy monitoring.

3. Complications

When the number of twists exceeds the bearing capacity of the umbilical cord, the force of compression on the umbilical cord will cause a shortage of oxygen and nutrients for the fetus. When the fetus is deprived of oxygen and nutrition, it will lead to stillbirth. According to the results of a study by Dr. Collins, in the US, about 6% of births have problems with umbilical cord torsion and the rate of fetal death in these cases is 20%. Women with a history of associated umbilical cord abnormalities in previous pregnancies have a 10-fold increased risk in subsequent pregnancies.
With the advancement of science, many methods to help assess the health of the fetus are born to help reduce the deaths for the fetus. These methods include Doppler ultrasound of the umbilical blood vessels, the middle cerebral artery measuring pulse indices and vascular resistance index, or measuring the fetal heart rate. However, these methods do not guarantee fetal death if the results are abnormal. Therefore, when there is an abnormal result, the doctor must use other supportive methods to avoid excessive intervention.
Torsion of the umbilical cord is a rather dangerous pregnancy complication, which can lead to fetal malnutrition, anemia, fetal distress, even death in the womb. Therefore, in order to give the fetus a safe and healthy development, mothers need to pay attention to monitor and take good care of their own health, maintain regular antenatal check-ups, especially when there are signs of pregnancy. abnormalities in the body.

Vinmec International General Hospital offers a Package Maternity Care Program for pregnant women right from the first months of pregnancy with a full range of antenatal check-ups, periodical 3D and 4D ultrasounds and other routine tests to ensure that the mother is healthy and the fetus is developing comprehensively.
Pregnant women will be consulted and checked for health under the close supervision of experienced and specialized Obstetricians, helping mothers have more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as reduce reduce complications for mother and child.

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