In this article:
What Is the Umbilical Cord and Why Does It Matter?
The umbilical cord is a lifeline for your baby during pregnancy, as it transfers nutrients, oxygen, and blood from the placenta. It also removes the waste products from your baby. The length of an umbilical cord is around 50-60 centimetres at the time of delivery.However, the cord can also be longer or shorter in some cases, which can be concerning for many new mothers. The slight variations in length are normal and do not impact the baby's growth in any way. In some cases, your doctor may still want to monitor the growth for a successful delivery closely.
Why Does the Umbilical Cord Sometimes Get Longer?
The cord may grow longer than usual due to the movement of your baby inside the womb.- Active baby movements: The cord stretches and grows more as your baby moves and kicks.
- Genetic factors: It is natural for some babies to develop longer cords without any health issues.
- Cord growth with the baby: The cord grows approximately 1 inch per month with your baby, allowing them to move freely.
What Problems Can a Longer Cord Cause?
Long chords can lead to the following problems in some cases.- Cord entanglement: Around 20-30% pregnancies face this issue when a cord wraps around your baby's neck and body. However, they are born safely.
- Cord knots: In extremely rare cases, the cord may form a true knot, thus reducing blood supply to the baby if it tightens.
- Cord prolapse: The cord may slip into the birth canal before the baby, which needs immediate medical attention.
Why Does the Umbilical Cord Sometimes Stay Short?
A short cord is less than 35 centimetres long, which typically develops when the baby moves less frequently.- Limited space in the womb: Low amniotic fluid may reduce the movement of your baby.
- Restricted growth: A short chord may develop because your baby is smaller.
- Placental or genetic factors: Sometimes, the cord may not grow longer due to natural reasons.
What Problems Can a Short Cord Cause?
Babies with short cords are born healthy, but in some cases, you can expect the following issues.- A short cord may limit your baby's movement, as they do not allow enough freedom to move around.
- You may feel stressed during labour due to the tightness caused by a short cord.
- Sometimes, a C-section may be required to deliver the baby safely if the cord restricts your labour.
How Do Doctors Detect Cord Length Issues?
Doctors use various methods to check for problems related to the cord length.- Ultrasound scans: To check cord position and blood flow.
- Doppler studies: To see how well blood moves through the cord.
- Monitoring during labour: To watch your baby's heart rate for signs of stress.
When Should You Be Concerned About Umbilical Cord Length?
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following signs.- Sudden changes in your baby's movement patterns.
- Very little movement or no movement.
- Abnormal results in an ultrasound or a doctor's test.
What Can You Do as an Expecting Parent?
You can support the growth of your baby instead of controlling the cord length.- Regular visits to the doctor for prenatal checkups help them track the cord and the baby's growth.
- Keep track of your baby's kicks in the last trimester.
- Eat healthy foods rich in nutrients, drink plenty of water, and do gentle exercise to maintain your pregnancy health.
- Most cord variations do not harm your baby, so do not worry about it.
Emotional and Mental Well-Being Matters
If you find that the cord length falls outside normal ranges, you do not need to worry. These are just observations and do not necessarily indicate a problem.- Share your concerns by talking openly with your partner.
- Do not hesitate to ask your doctor questions.
- Focus on bonding with your baby through talking or singing.
Checklist: What To Do If You're Told Your Baby's Cord Is Long or Short
- Most babies are born healthy, regardless of whether their cord length is too short or too long, so there is no need to worry.
- Discuss with your doctor whether the cord length is a concern in your case.
- Attend all the recommended checkups and scans.
- Check on your baby's movement daily.
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FAQs on Why the Umbilical Cord Sometimes Gets Longer or Shorter
- Can I prevent the umbilical cord from being too long or too short?
The cord length grows with your baby to allow them to move freely inside your womb, so you cannot control the length. - Is a cord around the baby's neck always dangerous?
Many babies end up having the cord around the neck, but they are delivered safely under your doctor's supervision during labour. - What should I do if my doctor says the cord is short?
Follow your doctor's advice and attend any extra scans suggested by them to watch your baby's movement. A planned C-section may be a safer option to deliver the baby in such cases.