Nuchal Cord and Birth: What Parents Need to Know.

What is a Nuchal Cord?

A nuchal cord occurs when the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the baby’s neck inside the womb or during birth. The word ‘nuchal’ means neck. While it can sound alarming, nuchal cords are very common and usually not dangerous.

How common is it?

Nucha cords happen in about 20-30% of births, meaning roughly 1 in 3 babies are born with the umblical cord around their neck. Most of the time, this does not cause harm and is discovered only at delivery.

Effects on the baby

In most cases, babies born with a nuchal cord are healthy. However, a tight or multiple-loop nuchal cord can sometimes cause:

• Changes in heart rate during labor.

• Rarely, reduced oxygen flow.

• Need for assisted delivery or quick management at birth.

During Labor and Delivery

Often, providers do not know about nuchal cord until delivery, but it is common occurrence and usually harmless. Most babies with a nuchal cord are born healthy, with no long term effects. Ultrasound may occasionally detect a nuchal cord before birth, but it is not considered an emergency unless the baby shows other signs of distress.