Signs of a tangled umbilical cord

The umbilical cord is the bridge between the fetus and the mother. Since the baby cannot eat while in the mother's womb, the nutrients and oxygen it needs to maintain vital signs must be obtained from the mother through the umbilical cord. It can be seen that the umbilical cord is very important to the baby's life. Once there is any abnormality in the umbilical cord, such as the umbilical cord is knotted, it will pose a threat to the baby's life. So what are the signs of a knotted umbilical cord?

What are the signs of a knotted umbilical cord?

1. Abnormal fetal movement

The false umbilical cord knot and the true umbilical cord knot are not tightened and will not affect the development of the fetus, so there are generally no symptoms. Only when the umbilical cord knot is tightened, the fetal blood circulation is obstructed, and symptoms of hypoxia appear, will the baby show some abnormal behaviors, such as abnormal fetal movement.

Symptoms of abnormal fetal movement:

If the fetal movements suddenly become frequent and violent, like a struggling movement, and then gradually decrease and stop after a period of time, it may be that the fetus is suffering from hypoxia and needs timely medical treatment.

2. Abnormal fetal heart rate

When the umbilical cord knot is tightened and causes fetal hypoxia, the fetal heart rate will also change, which can be seen through fetal heart rate monitoring.

Symptoms of abnormal fetal heart rate:

Under normal circumstances, the fetal heart rate is regular, about 120-160 beats per minute. If the fetal heart rate exceeds 160 beats/minute, it is a sign of early fetal hypoxia; if the fetal heart rate is less than 120 beats/minute or even stops, it is a sign of late fetal hypoxia.

What to do if the umbilical cord is knotted

1. Check and confirm

When there is a problem of umbilical cord knotting during pregnancy, a 3D color ultrasound examination can help confirm the diagnosis. Because 3D color ultrasound can correctly determine the direction of the umbilical cord in the uterine cavity and its relationship with the fetus, it has a certain accuracy rate in diagnosing umbilical cord knotting.

2. Symptomatic treatment

If the umbilical cord knot does not affect the fetal blood circulation, that is, the fetus does not show symptoms of fetal movement or abnormal fetal heart rate, no treatment is required.

If the umbilical cord knot obstructs fetal blood circulation and symptoms of fetal hypoxia appear, the fetus should be delivered as soon as possible.