Dangerous complications of fetal umbilical cord twisting

The article was consulted professionally by Specialist I Le Thi Phuong – Obstetrics and Gynecology Department – Share99 Ha Long International Health Hub.

The fetal umbilical cord is one of the important parts that help the fetus receive oxygen and nutrients from the mother. One of the rather dangerous umbilical cord problems is twisting the umbilical cord. This is one of the rather dangerous pregnancy complications, twisting the umbilical cord occurs when the number of spirals exceeds the bearing limit of the umbilical cord.

In recent months there have been many maternity incidents that have left many unfortunate consequences. One of the causes of maternity complications associated with the umbilical cord. The group of causes associated with the umbilical cord consists of an antomical structural abnormality of the umbilical cord or by the rotation of the fetus in the uterus, most often the phenomenon of the umbilical cordwrapping the neck , the umbilical cord knotted and, more rarely, the twisting of the umbilical cord.

When the fetus develops in the uterus, the umbilical cord acts as a life vessel that gives the child oxygen and nutrients from the mother's body. But this important link can also pose threats during labor and childbirth. One of those dangers is twisting the umbilical cord.

Unlike the two most common causes, umbilical cord twisting can occur even if the umbilical cord is of normal or abnormal length. The boundaries of twisting the umbilical cord harmlessly and twisting the umbilical cord are very unpredictable.

Umbilical cord twisting occurs when the number of spirals exceeds the bearing limit of the umbilical cord. At this time, the force of compression of the umbilical cord will cause hypoxia and nutrients for the fetus. The number of spirals that can lead to life-threatening complications of the fetus depends on the length of the umbilical cord. On average, the umbilical cord will withstand a twist for every 5cm of umbilical cord. Abnormalities associated with this umbilical cord are one of the most unpredictable risks during pregnancy monitoring.

When the number of spirals exceeds the bearing limit of the umbilical cord, the force of compression of the umbilical cord will cause a lack of oxygen and nutrients for the fetus. When the fetus is deprived of oxygen and nutrition will lead to still life. According to the results of a study by Dr Collins' team, in the US, about 6% of births have umbilical cord torsion problems and the fetal mortality rate in these cases is 20%. Women with a history of umbilical cord abnormalities in previous pregnancies are 10 times more likely to be involved in later pregnancies.

With the progress of science, many methods to help assess the health of the fetus are born to help gradually reduce fetal deaths. Such methods include an ultrasound of the umbilical vascular Doppler, the cerebral artery between which measures the impulse indicators and the vascular impedance index, or the fetal heart measurement. However, these methods do not determine for sure if the fetus will die if the results are abnormal. Therefore, when there is an abnormal record, the doctor must carry out another method of support to avoid excessive intervention.

Twisting the umbilical cord is a rather dangerous pregnancy complications, which can cause the fetus to be undernourished, anemia causes even fatal pregnancy in the womb. Therefore, in order to give the fetus safe and healthy development, mothers need to pay attention to monitor and take good care of their own health, maintaining regular pregnancy examinations, especially when there are abnormal signs in the body.

Share99 International Health Hub offers a full maternity care program for women from the very beginning of pregnancy from the first months with a full range of pregnancy examinations, 3D ultrasounds, 4D routines and routine tests to ensure the mother is always healthy and the fetus develops comprehensively.

Obstetrics and Gynecology will be consulted and checked under the close supervision of experienced and professional obstetrician, helping mothers have more knowledge to protect their health during pregnancy as well as minimize complications affecting mothers and children.