Find out if a pregnant woman’s sleeping position can cause the umbilical cord to get wrapped around the baby’s neck

According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, nuchal cords are common during pregnancy with incidences recorded at approximately 12 per cent at 24 to 26 weeks, and 37 per cent on reaching a full term

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | April 4, 2023 05:00 PM IST

3 min read

The main cause of a nuchal cord is excessive foetal movement. (Source: Freepik)

An umbilical cord is a tube-like structure that connects the mother and her unborn baby in the womb. It plays an important role in carrying food and oxygen from the mother to the baby. But when this cord gets wrapped around a baby’s neck, owing to many reasons like a longer umbilical cord or the baby’s movement, it leads to a condition known as a nuchal cord.

According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, nuchal cords are common during pregnancy with incidences recorded at approximately 12 per cent at 24 to 26 weeks, and 37 per cent on reaching a full term.

Causes of nuchal cord

A nuchal cord can only be found during a routine ultrasound scan. (Source: Pixabay)

The main cause of a nuchal cord is excessive foetal movement, said Dr Jagriti Varshney, a obstetrician and gynecologist. “If there is less amniotic fluid (surrounding the foetus) when the foetus is moving inside the womb, or there is an extra-long umbilical cord, there are chances it might get wrapped around the baby’s neck,” she told indianexpress.com, explaining that this can cause the arteries and veins in the foetus to get constricted, leading to disruption in its blood circulation.

She added that the umbilical cord can get entangled during pregnancy, and might cause problems in a normal vaginal delivery, indicating that there is need for a caesarean section.

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Can a mother’s sleeping position affect the umbilical cord?

It is always advisable for pregnant women to sleep in a left lateral position. Highlighting the same, the expert pointed out that when a woman lies in this sleeping position, the blood supply to the foetus increases,” adding that whenever a woman wants to get out of bed, she should first move towards the left and then stand up, and there should not be abrupt movement. However, she noted that a nuchal cord cannot be caused due to sleeping in a different position than the one advised. It largely depends on the foetal movement.

ALSO READ | All you need to know to have a safe pregnancy (and post pregnancy care)

Can a nuchal cord be prevented?

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Currently, there are no ways to prevent or treat a nuchal cord. Concluding, the expert said, “There are no physical symptoms, unless a foetus has an abnormal heart rate or breathing difficulties. A nuchal cord can only be found during a routine ultrasound scan.”

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