In this article:
What is a Strain in the Umbilical Cord?
The umbilical cord connects your baby to the placenta, bringing food and oxygen and removing waste. Sometimes during labour, the baby might suffer from a lack of sufficient oxygen if the umbilical cord gets squeezed.
The common scenarios are:
- The cord is twisted around the foetus’s neck, whether tight or loose
- The cord gets stuck between the baby and your pelvic bone
- The cord has slipped into the birth canal before the baby, i.e., cord prolapse
How Do Doctors Identify Umbilical Cord Pressure?
Your doctors keep monitoring your baby's heart rate throughout labour with a foetal monitor. The first sign of cord pressure is often a drop in the baby's heart rate, i.e., deceleration.
If such changes appear, the medical team immediately examines the situation. Some hospitals may use ultrasound or internal monitoring to assess the cord’s position and determine whether your baby needs extra support.
Why Immediate Action Matters?
Since the umbilical cord delivers oxygen every second, even a small delay can disrupt the flow. But the good news is that doctors usually act quickly to get the blood flowing properly.
But if the pressure stays on for too long, in rare cases, it could lead to problems for the baby. It means your baby isn't getting sufficient oxygen. That's why hospitals are always prepared with clear emergency guidelines to respond promptly.
What Are the Techniques of Relieving Cord Pressure?
Depending on how the pressure is detected, doctors use multiple secure methods to manage it efficiently.
- Sometimes, just moving around helps take some pressure off. Try getting onto your hands and knees or onto your side. The nurses and doctors might also help you find ideal positions that help get more blood and oxygen to your baby.
- You might need an oxygen mask. The idea is to increase the amount of oxygen reaching your baby through the placenta.
- A labour that starts too soon sometimes may cause the cord to squeeze. You might be given medications to inhibit contractions in such scenarios temporarily. This can give your baby some extra time to get better.
- Your doctor or midwife might carefully lift the baby’s head or body off the cord by hand if the umbilical cord comes out before the baby. This supports your baby’s safety until delivery.
- In many instances, surgeons inject some sterile fluids into the womb. This helps take pressure off the umbilical cord and supports better blood flow.
- If your foetus is still in a stressful situation or other methods don’t lead to success, the safest option might be an emergency Caesarean section.
How To Keep Yourself Calm & Informed?
Hearing about possible problems during labour can be scary. Keep in mind that your doctors handle stuff like this every day. Staying calm and informed helps your body cooperate better during labour.
- During appointments, briefly ask how your medical team deals with cord-related matters
- To help you relax, practice some breathing methods
- Trust that your doctors know what they’re doing. They are keeping a close watch on you and your baby.
What Should You Worry About?
While most cord issues are detected during labour, you must seek medical attention if you encounter any of the following before delivery:
- Sudden decrease in your baby's movement
- Prolonged irregular heartbeat during prenatal monitoring
- A rush of fluid followed by a visible or felt cord at the vaginal opening
What is the Role of Expecting Mothers?
- Regularly monitor your baby's movements
- Figure out which labour positions make you feel better
- Talk about your birth plan with your doctor and ask any questions you have about the baby’s cord
- Just breathe. The doctors have lots of safe ways to deal with this.
Emotional Support
It’s normal to feel worried when you hear things like cord pressure during labour. Discuss your feelings with your family, partner, or care team. Having someone there for you can really help you stay calm and make giving birth a better experience.
Your partner can also really help by answering questions, keeping calm, and just being there for you emotionally when you’re in labour. When you both understand what’s going on, it makes things easier on both of you.
Umbilical cord pressure during labour may sound alarming, but with trained doctors and modern methods, it's usually managed safely. It’s extremely important to know the symptoms, talk openly with your doctor, and act fast in a medical situation. By understanding what happens and trusting the process, you can approach labour with more confidence and peace of mind.
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FAQs on How Doctors Manage Umbilical Cord Pressure During Birth
- Can my foetus get injured due to the umbilical cord pressure?
Not in every case. Babies fully recover when the issue is identified and treated early, without side effects. - Is cord pressure a usual difficulty during delivery?
In many deliveries, mild cold pressure happens, but only about 2 in 300 cases involve serious cord prolapse requiring emergency care. - Can I prevent cold pressure during delivery?
You can't prevent it entirely, but staying active, regular prenatal check-ups, and keeping an eye on your baby's movements help your doctors recognise any risks early.