Cord Around Baby’s Neck During Labour: What to Know

ByHemali Ramchandani
Updated: 5 Sept 2025, 11:00 am
Medical Reviewed by Dr. Nirmala M

When your doctor says the umbilical cord is looped around your baby’s neck (nuchal cord), it can sound alarming. In most cases, this is a common finding and does not automatically mean you need a C-section. How tightly the cord is wrapped, whether it’s affecting blood flow, and the stage of labour all play a role in deciding the safest delivery method.

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Your ultrasound or labour monitoring might have revealed that the umbilical cord is lying around your baby’s neck. While the thought can be worrying, this finding alone is not usually a medical emergency. Many babies are born healthy despite one or even two loops of cord. The key is understanding when it is harmless and when it may need closer intervention.
In this article:

What Is a Nuchal Cord?

A nuchal cord means the umbilical cord has looped 360 degrees around the baby’s neck. It can happen:
  • Once (single loop): Most common and usually harmless. It might even resolve on its own.
  • Twice or more (multiple loops): May require closer monitoring, especially during labour.
  • Loose or tight: A loose loop rarely causes trouble; a tight one may reduce oxygen supply.
The umbilical cord is covered in Wharton’s jelly, a thick, cushioning substance that protects the blood vessels inside. This helps prevent compression when the baby moves.

How Common Is It and Why Does It Happen?

Nuchal cords occur in about 20–30% of pregnancies and are often just a result of normal foetal movement. Factors that make it more likely include:
  • Long umbilical cord – Gives it more room to loop itself around baby’s neck.
  • Excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) – Baby can move more freely.
  • Active baby – Frequent turning and rolling in the womb.
  • Multiple pregnancies – More cords in the same space.
It can also form early and stay, or come and go before delivery.

When Can It Be a Concern?

In most pregnancies, the loop is loose and blood flow remains normal. However, complications can arise if:
  • The loop is tight enough to compress the cord vessels during contractions.
  • There are multiple loops, increasing the risk of reduced oxygen supply.
  • Baby’s heart rate shows repeated decelerations during labour.
  • The cord is compressed during delivery, delaying the baby's first breath.

How Is It Detected?

  • Ultrasound with colour Doppler: Can show cord position and blood flow.
  • During labour: Your doctor or nurse may suspect it if heart rate patterns change.
  • At birth: Sometimes, only noticed once the baby’s head is delivered.
It’s important to note that ultrasound can sometimes overdiagnose nuchal cords. Not all detected loops are present at delivery.

Does It Always Mean a C-section?

No. Most cases are managed with normal vaginal delivery if:
  • Blood flow to the baby is unaffected.
  • Baby’s heart rate is stable during contractions.
  • Labour is progressing normally.
A C-section may be advised if:
  • The cord is tightly wrapped and causing distress to the baby.
  • There are multiple loops with abnormal heart rate patterns.
  • Labour is not progressing, and other risk factors are present.
In many normal deliveries, the doctor or midwife simply slips the cord over the baby’s head or loosens it after the head emerges.

How Doctors Manage Labour with a Nuchal Cord

  • Continuous foetal monitoring – Tracks heart rate for early signs of distress
  • Controlled pushing – Avoids sudden pressure on the cord
  • Immediate cord management – Loosening or clamping after birth if needed
  • Preparedness for quick intervention – If distress occurs, a C-section can be performed promptly

Emotional and Practical Support

Hearing that the cord is around your baby’s neck can trigger anxiety. You can:
  • Ask your doctor to explain whether the cord is loose or tight.
  • Discuss possible delivery scenarios in advance.
  • Remember that nuchal cords are usually not dangerous when monitored.
  • Bring a birth partner who understands your concerns and can advocate for you.
A cord around the baby’s neck is a common finding in pregnancy and, in most cases, does not require a C-section. The decision depends on the baby’s heart rate, cord tightness, and labour progress. With careful monitoring and timely intervention, both vaginal and C-section deliveries can be safe.
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FAQs on Cord Around Baby’s Neck During Labour: What to Know

  1. Can a nuchal cord cause stillbirth?
    While rare, severe cord compression can reduce oxygen supply and cause complications. This is why monitoring during labour is important.
  2. Can exercise or movement cause a nuchal cord?
    No. It happens naturally due to the baby’s movement in the womb and is not caused by your activity.
  3. Can it be removed before birth?
    No. The loop can only be removed after the baby’s head emerges during delivery.
  4. Is it safer to plan a C-section if the cord is around the neck?
    Not necessarily. Most babies with a nuchal cord are born safely via vaginal delivery when monitored properly.

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How we reviewed this article
Our team continuously monitors the health and wellness space to create relevant content for you. Every article is reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy.

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