Neha Patil (Editor)

Umbilical cord compression

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Specialty
  
pediatrics

ICD-9-CM
  
762.5

ICD-10
  
P02.5

Umbilical cord compression

Umbilical cord compression is the obstruction of blood flow through the umbilical cord secondary to pressure from an external object or misalignment of the cord itself. Cord compression happens in about one in 10 deliveries.

Contents

Causes

  • Nuchal cord, when the umbilical cord is (tightly) around the neck of the fetus
  • Entanglement of the cord
  • Knot in the cord
  • Cord prolapse, where the umbilical cord exits the birth canal before the baby, which can cause cord compression.
  • As a complication of oligohydramnios in which there is insufficient amniotic fluid
  • Compression during uterine contractions in childbirth

    • Diagnosis

    On cardiotocography (CTG), umbilical cord compression can present with variable decelerations in fetal heart rate.

    Treatment

    Umbilical cord compression may be relieved by the mother switching to another position. In persistent severe signs of fetal distress, Cesarean section may be needed.

    References

    Umbilical cord compression Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA