WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Umbilical Cord Complications

Newborn
Arrival of the baby
Umbilical Cord Complications
Oh, that magical lifeline between you and your soon-to-be newborn!
The umbilical cord is literally the baby's gateway to nourishment and oxygen.
While it might not win any beauty contests, this cord is like a VIP expressway, delivering all the essentials.
But hey, like any highway, sometimes there can be bumps (or knots) along the way.
What's the Big Deal About the Umbilical Cord?
  • Oxygen: Your baby breathes thanks to this cord.
  • Nutrients: All the proteins, fats, and yumminess go straight to your munchkin.
  • Waste Removal: Out with the old, in with the new.
Don't worry. Most of the time, the umbilical cord does its job like a pro, but sometimes complications can arise, and it's good to be in the know.
Types of Umbilical Cord Complications
Life doesn't come with a manual, and sometimes, neither does pregnancy.
While the odds are in your favor that the umbilical cord will work as expected, there are a few complications to be aware of:
  1. Nuchal Cord: This is when the cord wraps around the baby's neck. It sounds scarier than it usually is.
  2. Cord Prolapse: A bit of a medical emergency. This happens when the cord slips through the cervix before the baby does.
  3. True Knot: These are literal knots in the cord. Rare, but can be serious.
  4. Vasa Previa: A condition where the blood vessels from the umbilical cord cross the entrance to the birth canal.
  • Fact Check: Nuchal cords occur in about 20-30% of pregnancies but are typically harmless.
  • Note: Cord prolapse needs immediate medical intervention but is quite rare.
  • Good News: True knots are uncommon and often detected via ultrasound.
While these may sound daunting, remember, medical advances have made it easier to diagnose and manage these situations.
Knowledge is your superpower!
How Are These Complications Detected?
You're probably wondering, "How will I know if there's a problem?"
Monitoring is key!
Your healthcare provider uses some high-tech tools and a keen eye to keep tabs on that umbilical cord.
  • Ultrasound: Ah, the magical window to your womb!
  • Fetal Heart Monitoring: This tracks your baby’s heartbeat and can indicate if there are any cord issues.
  • Physical Exams: Good ol’ hands-on approach never hurts.
  • Ultrasounds can often detect issues like true knots or vasa previa before they become a problem.
  • Fetal heart monitoring is crucial, especially during labor, to ensure that the cord is functioning as it should.
  • Physical exams can also be useful, particularly in the case of a cord prolapse, where immediate action is required.
Rest assured, your healthcare team is on it like white on rice! 🌾
So, What Can You Do?
You’re not just a bystander in this process; you’re the star of the show!
While some things are out of your control, being proactive and engaged with your healthcare can make a world of difference.
  • Stay Informed: The more you know, the less scary things are.
  • Follow Recommendations: If additional scans are needed, don't skip them.
  • Communicate: Keep the lines open with your healthcare provider.
  • Education: There are numerous resources that can provide a wealth of information.
  • Screenings: Follow through with all your scheduled appointments and tests. This helps your healthcare provider keep an eye on things.
  • Ask Questions: No question is too silly when it comes to your and your baby’s well-being.
By staying informed and connected, you're doing your part to ensure the umbilical cord does its part without a hitch!
A
Antoinette
8 Feb 2024

Has anyone had a pregnancy where the umbilical cord had cysts in it and/or had a subchorionic hemorrhage? I’m almost 9 weeks and scared.

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2 comments
M
Mya
I had a subchroionic hemorrhage around 7 weeks but they usually go away on their own
27 Mar 2024

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Tay
I had sub hemorrhage and the baby pushed it out the way as he got bigger.
27 Mar 2024

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Ieisha
20 Nov 2023

Have anyone experienced a placenta, small baby, blood flow in the umbilical cord 😔😩 I had so much bad news today I’ve been crying all morning.

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10 comments
M
Muffy&DaGuyz
Is there anything they can do
27 Mar 2024

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Ieisha
He said if I was 24 weeks he would admit me but I have to go every week to monitor my baby..
27 Mar 2024

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Hannah
21 Oct 2023

Has anyone had issues with your baby’s umbilical cord placement being In the wrong spot? Doctors are sending me to maternal fetal medicine cause they possibly think the cord placement isn’t correct.

Newborn Arrival of the baby
1 comments
S
Sharee
Never heard of that.. wow! What r they going to do?
27 Mar 2024

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A
Autumn
4 Sep 2023

Hey moms, what does it mean when my babies umbilical cord start bleeding a little bit? #firsttimemom and a little worried.. #tips

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4 comments
K
Krystal
I would call the hospital nurse line and ask them
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lee
It’s perfectly normal clean around it while you clean your baby and put A & D ointment
27 Mar 2024

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Katie
30 Jul 2023

My babys umbilical cord bleeds a little every now and then what do I do and when is it supposed to fall off

Newborn Arrival of the baby
5 comments
J
Jaiden
that’s what happened every day right before my girls fell off, clean it either w alcohol or a wipe, hers didn’t fall of until 2-3 weeks but if it’s over 3 weeks call your doctor
27 Mar 2024

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L
Loren
My baby's fell off at 12 days old 😊 usually it takes 1 to 2 weeks and the pediatrician told me not to clean it woth anything you just have to wait until it falls. A little bit of blood is normal, but you can tell the pediatrician if you are worried about it.
27 Mar 2024

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Liz
21 Jun 2023

Hello, I just found out today my umbilical cord has one artery instead of two. Has anyone else experienced this?

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2 comments
L
Liz
My midwife said we would just monitor the growth closely. I freaked myself out by googling what could happen.😮
27 Mar 2024

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Sierra
8 May 2023

Update on bellamys umbilical cord, it fell off shortly after that post and I cleaned it up its now dry and it isn’t bothering him at all.

Newborn Arrival of the baby
3 comments
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Melissa
How did you clean it mine girl fell off today but scared to touch it
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sierra
Says online mild soap and water i used a damp rag instead of soaking it
27 Mar 2024

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Desery’e 💙🩵🦋♎️
26 Aug 2022

25 weeks tomorrow, I'll be at ease once I get passed 33 weeks, I lost my baby girl Lyric at 33 weeks due to umbilical cord complications in 2018 , and I just can't fully relax untill I know Im at least enough weeks were I can be induced ✨✨✨ unfortunately theirs no way to detect umbilical cord tangles and knots so for me it's a constant worry in the back of my mind

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7 comments
D
Desery’e 💙🩵🦋♎️
thank you !!! ❤️ I've healed for the most part , just get triggered every now and then and maybe think to much about the negatives verse the positive outcomes
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jazzmine
10 Jun 2022

My first born’s umbilical cord fell off today and she’s 26 days old, I’m wondering if this look normal to anyone?

Newborn Arrival of the baby
7 comments
S
Shanbrell
It's normal love
27 Mar 2024

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N
Niya
It looks infected
27 Mar 2024

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