Does a cord around the neck mean my baby can’t breathe?

Your baby receives oxygen in the womb from the umbilical cord and not through the nose or mouth. The loop does not restrict the breathing of your baby unless it is tight and causing distress.

Should I ask for a C-section if there’s a cord loop?

A vaginal delivery is possible with one or two loops. Your doctor may recommend a C-section if the heart rate of your baby drops or are under stress.

Can I do anything at home to prevent cord twists?

Cord twists cannot be avoided, so stay active, eat healthy, drink water and track your baby’s movement throughout the day. Get regular checkups and avoid old myths for a healthy pregnancy.

How Umbilical Cord Twists and Loops Affect Baby’s Movements

In your regular ultrasound, you hear your doctor say that there is a loop around your baby’s neck. This simple sentence can raise other questions in your mind. The most concerning one is whether your baby is okay.

What Are Twists and Loops in the Umbilical Cord?

The umbilical cord is a soft tube that grows to around 50-60 cm long by the end of the pregnancy. It transfers the nutrients and oxygen from the placenta to your baby.

Your baby floats in amniotic fluid, so the cord also twists and turns with their movements. It can even form a loop around any part of your baby, including the neck, called a nuchal cord. This loop is often loose and does not choke the baby in most cases.
You may be surprised to know that almost 30% babies are born with a cord loop and they remain healthy.

Are Cord Loops Dangerous for Your Baby?

Your body is surrounded by amniotic fluid, which allows it to float comfortably. The cord contains a jelly-like substance called Wharton’s jelly. It prevents the cord from twisting or getting compressed. The doctors look for the following in the cord loop.

Single loose loop: Usually harmless.
Double or tight loops: Often safe, but still requires monitoring.
Cord around neck, reduced movements or low oxygen: Requires more attention.

Modern medical equipment can detect these problems early, allowing doctors to intervene at the right time.

Can Cord Twists Reduce a Baby’s Movements?

Some cases may involve the cord forming a tight loop or twist, which can reduce blood flow or oxygen to the baby. It also restricts their movements, so your doctor may confirm if the baby is moving from you during the visits.

A mother knows her baby best, so if movement feels slower, weaker or fewer suddenly after 28 weeks, contact your doctor. The cord may not always be the reason, but it's best to check with your doctor.

Is It Your Fault If the Cord Gets Twisted or Looped?

A mother usually blames themselves for anything unusual during pregnancy, but things are not always under their control. Cord loops also happen naturally if the length is long and the baby moves around. Your actions or sleeping positions are not the reasons.

Loops can form in both active and calm babies, and not because you did something wrong. Please do not hold the guilt or fear, and focus on your hydration and rest.

Can You Prevent or Fix Cord Twists During Pregnancy?

You may hear the following advice, but they are just a myth.

“Don’t raise your hands above your head.”
“Don’t turn while sleeping.”
“Lie only on your left side or the cord will wrap.”

You do not have to live in constant fear during pregnancy because of it. The only way to prevent it is by regularly monitoring the baby’s health.

Attend your checkups on time.
Get Doppler scans to check blood flow through the cord if your doctor suggests it.
Monitor fetal movements and trust your instincts if something feels off.
Stay calm, as stress can do more harm than good.

You may only need extra monitoring if the loop is detected early and your baby is doing well. Your doctor may advise an early or C-section delivery if they feel the baby is in distress.

What Do Doctors Do If the Baby Has a Cord Loop Near Delivery?

A loop observed in the third trimester of pregnancy allows your doctor to take the following steps.

Monitor the baby’s heart rate more closely.
Schedule frequent ultrasounds.
Check the amniotic fluid level and the baby’s position.
Recommend induced labour or C-section if they spot signs of distress.

If the cord is around the neck during the delivery, it can slip off once the baby’s head comes out. The medical team can handle this situation and will make the safest call for both you and your baby.

Does the Cord Move or Untangle On Its Own?

Your baby moves in the womb and often changes position before 36 weeks, so the loops may not appear in the next scan. It may be due to the following reasons.

Untangle itself.
Form new loops.
Stay the same without causing problems.

The womb has enough fluid and room for your baby to move and stretch. The loop can form and may even disappear on its own during the birth.

Cord loops and twists can cause stress for new expecting parents. The stress is high when your family shares various myths with you. However, they are not backed by science, and they can be managed easily in most cases.
You don't have to worry about it or change anything you normally do. Just go to regular checkups, feel your baby move, and discuss the situation with your doctor.
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FAQs on How Twists and Loops in the Umbilical Cord Affect Your Baby’s Movements?

Does a cord around the neck mean my baby can’t breathe?
Your baby receives oxygen in the womb from the umbilical cord and not through the nose or mouth. The loop does not restrict the breathing of your baby unless it is tight and causing distress.
Should I ask for a C-section if there’s a cord loop?
A vaginal delivery is possible with one or two loops. Your doctor may recommend a C-section if the heart rate of your baby drops or are under stress.
Can I do anything at home to prevent cord twists?
Cord twists cannot be avoided, so stay active, eat healthy, drink water and track your baby’s movement throughout the day. Get regular checkups and avoid old myths for a healthy pregnancy.