Nuchal Cord

MamaTree17 · May 2014

This is a bit of a SS but I wasn't sure where else to put it....random thoughts, symptoms, appointments? Not sure so here I am.

Long story short-ish, during our growth ultrasound on Friday (no concerns, just my practice's standard) we found out the baby has the cord around her neck. The tech didn't mention it at all but when the doctor came in she brought it up as a concern and only said that they couldn't answer any questions but wanted us to wait while they called my doctor. Liability and all that I'm sure. My doctor wanted us to get a NST as soon as possible but given it was Friday at 3:00 Monday morning was the earliest available. Until then, kick-counts all weekend with a trip to L&D if movement was low. Thankfully the weekend was fine, she was moving constantly, and I think our NST went well yesterday. Again, no feedback, just results sent to my doctor though I can assume if there was anything alarming we would have been asked to stay or sent to L&D. We also had another ultrasound to measure fluid levels and while she didn't say anything, I know from the same testing with my DD that there should be 4 pockets, and she could only find 3. Dr. Google seemed to say as long as the largest was between 2 and 8 cm (I had one at 6) it was fine. Again, who knows.

I called my doctor after the testing and they said they were still waiting on the results but to assume if I didn't hear back that my pre-scheduled Thursday appointment was sufficient. I haven't heard anything since so I'm assuming that is good news but am still freaking out a little/a lot.

My question is - has anyone dealt with a nuchal cord in this or previous pregnancies? What was the plan? Induction, additional monitoring during labor, c-section? I've heard everything from no big deal to I had the same thing and they induced me that day.

TonyaCody06 · May 2014

2 of my daughters were born with nuchal cords but they were not known in advance. The cord can easily move even if it was around the neck during the sono. As long as you have good fetal movement and the baby doesn't fail the BPP, I highly doubt they would induce. I was an L&D RN for 4 years and never once had an induction for the reason of a nuchal cord. Now if the baby was in distress/failed BPP, then a baby was delivered. I'm sure a lot depends on the OB group and hospital.

Keep doing kick counts and drink a lot of water.

TonyaCody06 · May 2014

jmar2011 said:

I was born with the chord wrapped around my neck, I think they tend to do c sections if they are unable to unravel it before the baby comes out. Anyone feel free to correct me, I have only heard this stuff second hand

Once the head is delivered vaginally, the nuchal cord is removed quickly before the rest of the body delivers.

ElTrain5 · May 2014

I know that it's incredibly common. When they were teaching us standard L&D in EMT training they just said to quickly slip it back over the babies head. My sister's baby also had it wrapped and they just had her stop pushing after the head came out so they could unwrap it, then she carried on as usual, baby didn't have any ill effects.

ricecakes1216 · May 2014

No experience, but wanted to send positive thoughts your way. That must be really unsettling. I'd imagine that they had someone evaluate your results before you left, so hopefully that gives you some comfort. Good luck!

nunzchucks · May 2014

DD had the cord wrapped around her neck, but we didn't know it until delivery. Everything turned out fine. FX everything is ok with LO! I'm glad you are being monitored.

diagonalley · May 2014

DS had the cord wrapped around his neck and his body which caused his heart rate to drop when I was pushing. They had me change positions several times. As far as I know there was no mention of possibly needing a cs. Baby was smaller since he was early so maybe that helped being able to deliver vaginally? Also not sure if they knew before hand. They did not mention it to me until he wad born but I think they did know.

MamaTree17 · May 2014

Thanks all...this makes me feel a little better. I should say that DD was born with the cord around her neck 3 times...but it wasn't known ahead of time and it caused some complications with delivery. She ended up fine but it was really difficult to push her down because the cord was tight and we had some scary moments of dropped heart rate. In the end I needed a quick episiotomy so they could cut the cord and get her out once they realized what was happening. I just wasn't sure how knowing this ahead of time would change the plan. If they had known with DD I think they would have done things differently but maybe not.

TunieBee · May 2014

Lots of babies are born with nuchal cords. Something like 20%, I think. Sending positive vibes your way for a safe delivery and healthy baby. I hope you get some answers soon.

LadyMacaron · May 2014

It's extremely normal and not a big deal. We have visions of baby being choked by it, but in reality baby isn't breathing through his throat yet, he's getting his oxygen from the cord. The cord is also very thick so it's hard to get a kink in it that would affect baby's oxygen intake. A lot of babies are born with the cord around the neck and most moms don't know, because it's just a quick fix as they come out. Very rare to have any intervention because of it. This was all covered during our birth class and in several pregnancy books I'm reading..I say not to worry!

MNOpea · May 2014

The same thing happened to me on Friday! My NST was Friday night though and went fine, I have another scheduled for this Friday. My dr told me that it's very common and most likely no big deal, but I haven't seen her again to discuss what the plan is for labor. I am assuming just monitoring the baby to make sure it's not in distress. Sorry I know that wasn't helpful since I'm basically at the SaMe point in this as you are but I'm just trying not to worry about it