One such thing that is most critical is the umbilical cord, as it takes care of your baby’s growing needs in the womb. You can feel prepared and also know what to expect after you understand why the umbilical cord matters.
What Is the Umbilical Cord and Why Does It Matter?
The umbilical cord is a soft tube that connects your baby to the placenta, which is attached to the wall of your uterus. This cord comprises three blood vessels that help with the oxygen and nutrient exchange, along with the waste removal.- Two arteries carry waste products and carbon dioxide from your baby back to the placenta.
- One vein supplies oxygen and nutrients from you to your baby.
How Do Doctors Check Umbilical Cord Health Before Birth?
Doctors assess the cord through ultrasound scans during your second and third trimesters to look for the following aspects.- Blood flow: Doctors measure how well blood is moving through the cord using a Doppler ultrasound scan.
- Cord placement: They check whether the cord is attached correctly to the placenta.
- Number of vessels: A cord may have only two vessels instead of three in some cases, which needs closer monitoring.
- Cord length and position: Excessively short or too long cords may cause complications.
- Cord around the neck (nuchal cord): The cord can wrap around the baby’s neck, but doctors check if it is tight or restricting oxygen.
Why Is Umbilical Cord Health So Important for Your Baby?
Ensures Oxygen Supply
Your baby’s lungs are not mature enough in the womb to be able to breathe, so the umbilical cord supplies the oxygen. Any abnormalities in the tube can lower oxygen levels and affect their development.Provides Essential Nutrition
The cord delivers all the vitamins, minerals, proteins, and glucose your baby needs. The growth may slow down without all these elements. About 1 in 10 pregnancies may show signs of growth restriction due to cord or placenta issues.In this article:
Removes Waste Products
The cord also removes waste matter from your baby. So, if there is any problem in the cord, the waste may build up, which can put your baby under stress.Reduces Delivery Risks
A compressed cord can lower the baby’s heartbeat. Therefore, the doctors monitor it closely during labour. They can also plan a safe delivery plan if they check the cord regularly.What Conditions Can Affect the Umbilical Cord?
The common concerns about the umbilical cord are listed below.- Nuchal cord is when the cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck.
- Velamentous insertion is a condition in which the cord attaches to the membranes instead of the placenta, which makes it fragile.
- Single artery if only two vessels are present in the cord instead of three.
- Cord prolapse is a rare but critical condition in which the cord slips into the birth canal before the baby.
What Can You Do to Support Umbilical Cord Health?
You cannot control how the cord develops in the womb, but you can support your overall health during pregnancy.- Regular scans help detect issues early, so attend all prenatal checkups.
- Consuming a diet rich in iron, protein, and vitamins can keep the blood flow healthy.
- Good circulation supports the placenta and cord, so drink sufficient water.
- Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs, as they can reduce blood flow to your baby.
- Check your baby’s movements daily and inform your doctor if they reduce suddenly.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Medical advice is necessary in case of the following situations.- Sudden decrease in the baby’s movements.
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage.
- Intense abdominal pain or contractions before the due date.
- Dizziness or fainting spells.
Emotional and Social Aspects You Should Know
Feeling stressed upon hearing your doctor mention the umbilical cord in a routine checkup is a common feeling among many new expectant mothers. However, it is not a concerning issue, as most pregnancies progress without any problems. You can share your experience with your family or friends and discuss anything bothersome with your doctor.What To Do Next: A Simple Checklist
- Keep up with all ultrasound and prenatal visits.
- Eat a healthy and iron-rich diet.
- Track your baby’s daily kicks and movements.
- Avoid harmful substances, such as tobacco or alcohol.
- Ask your doctor questions in case of uncertainty.
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FAQs on Why Doctors Check Umbilical Cord Health Before Birth?
- Is it normal for the umbilical cord to be around the baby’s neck?
The cord around the baby’s neck is normal, and most babies are born safely without any major risks. Doctors monitor this situation closely to take any immediate action required during delivery. - Can I prevent umbilical cord problems during pregnancy?
The problems with how the cord develops cannot be avoided, but you can take care of your health by following healthy habits and attending all your checkups. - How will I know if my baby has umbilical cord issues?
You may not feel any specific symptoms due to the cord problems, but a decrease in your baby’s movement and unusual scans are the alarming signs. Regular monitoring is necessary in such cases.