Ultrasound Assessment of the Fetal Neck for a Nuchal Cord

A nuchal cord is a medical term for when the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the fetal neck 360 degrees in the uterus. It's a relatively common occurrence, happening in about 20% of births. Nuchal cords can have 1 or 3 loops and are caused by random fetal movements since they tend to have only the umbilical cord to play with in the uterus. They are more likely if there is an extra-long cord or excessive amniotic fluid. While most babies with a nuchal cord are born healthy, it's important to monitor the situation to ensure there are no complications.

Ultrasound is a safe and effective way to assess the fetal neck for a nuchal cord.

Nuchal Cord

How Ultrasound Works

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the fetus in the uterus. During an ultrasound, a gel is applied to your belly, and a handheld device called a transducer is moved across your skin. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off the fetus and create an image on a screen.

Identifying a Nuchal Cord

During an ultrasound, the Sonographer will look for the umbilical cord wrapped around the fetal neck. They may also use color Doppler, a special type of ultrasound that shows blood flow, to confirm the diagnosis.

What if a Nuchal Cord is Found?

If a nuchal cord is found, your doctor or midwife will likely monitor you more closely during your pregnancy. They may recommend additional ultrasounds to track the fetal position and movement. In most cases, a nuchal cord doesn't cause any problems during labor and delivery. However, in some cases, the cord can become so tightly wrapped that it cuts off the blood supply to the fetus. If the fetal heart rate falls too low, stillbirth or other complications could occur, and your doctor may recommend inducing labor or performing a cesarean section (C-section) to save your baby from danger.

If the nuchal cord is noted at birth, the midwives or doctors can slip the cord over the fetal head or clamp and cut it if it's tight during delivery.

Important Considerations

• Accuracy: Ultrasound is a reliable way to detect a nuchal cord, but it's not always 100% accurate. Sometimes the cord can be difficult to see, or the baby may move in a way that makes it hard to get a clear picture.

• Timing: A nuchal cord can develop at any time during pregnancy, even during labor. So, even if an ultrasound doesn't show a nuchal cord earlier in your pregnancy, it could still be present at birth.

• Significance: The vast majority of babies with a nuchal cord are born healthy and without any complications. However, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Remember: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about nuchal cords, please talk to your doctor.