The Association between Nuchal Cord Detection and PerinatalOutcomes in Term Infants: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Nuchal cord is a defined as a full twist ofumbilical cord around fetal neck for at least one round. Whilemost nuchal cords have no adverse clinical consequences,emerging reports have demonstrated significant associationsbetween the presence of nuchal cord and maternal/fetal out-comes, which appears to be correlated with the tightness andnumber of cords around the neck.Aim of Study: In this study, we investigated the associationbetween nuchal cord detection during labor and perinataloutcome among full term pregnant women.Material and Methods: We conducted a prospective studyon 250 full term pregnant women, who were examined bytwo-dimensional US and color Doppler US to detect nuchalcord presence. Only women with cephalic presentation andsonographicaly detected nuchal cord were included. Thestudy's outcomes included mode of delivery, APGAR scoringat 1 and 5min, need for admission in neonatal Intensive careunit (NICU), and blood gases of the newborn.Results: The mean age of studied group was 26.86±5.53years and the mean parity was 1.59±1.21. Overall, 83% ofthe women had one loop.Conclusions: In conclusion, the presence of two or morenuchal loops may affect the mode of delivery and earlyneonatal outcome.