Babies born with a knot in the umbilical cord

Presenting a lump in the umbilical cord is a very rare condition in pregnancy, it is estimated that in one in 100 pregnancies (one percent) is formed a knot in the umbilical cord that connects the baby to the mother.

Most of the time the knot is lax and is protected by a jelly, which does not pose a risk to the baby, but when the knot is strong and tight it can prevent blood flow and therefore nutrients and oxygen They reach the baby.

What is an umbilical cord knot?

It is one of the possible complications of the umbilical cord. The very nature of the cord makes it almost impossible for knots to form since it is covered by a jelly-like substance (Wharton's jelly) that gives it flexibility and elasticity, however the baby's movements and somersaults inside the uterus, especially during the First months, it can cause knots in the umbilical cord to form.

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It is more likely to occur when the umbilical cord is too long and in pregnancies of identical twins, who share the same amniotic sac. The average length of the cord is between 50 and 60 centimeters, however, sometimes it can be shorter or longer, usually causing complications.

Most of the time they are false knots, that is, minor structure alterations. This in itself is not a complication, but rather a curiosity that is discovered at birth. But sometimes they are true knots that can be adjusted as pregnancy progresses and cause a deficit of nutrients and oxygen in the fetus, and even death.

The doctor will evaluate in these cases if it is feasible to try vaginal delivery or to perform a C-section. As we see in the image, the knot is not an impediment to give birth vaginally, as long as the baby's heart rate is not altered.

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Video: True knot umbilical cord (March 2024).