Is it possible to stop the cord from encircling my infant's neck?

No, you are powerless to stop it. Usually, the baby's natural movements are to blame.

Can I prevent the cord from wrapping around my baby’s neck?

No, you cannot control or prevent it. It’s usually caused by natural baby movements. Not always. Most babies with a nuchal cord are born safely through normal delivery. A C-section is recommended only if there are complications.

Should I worry if the ultrasound shows a nuchal cord?

Not at all. Many babies are born with it and do perfectly fine. Just follow your doctor’s advice and keep attending your appointments.

Why Some Babies Are Born With the Cord Around Their Neck

Pregnancy is often filled with more questions and worries than answers because you do not want to risk anything when it comes to your baby. The most common worry is the cord wrapping around your baby’s neck in the womb, which is also called a nuchal cord. It may sound distressing, but it is usually harmless.

What Does “Cord Around the Neck” Mean?

The umbilical cord connects you and your baby, while also supplying them with essential nutrients and oxygen. However, this cord can wrap around the baby’s neck in some cases, which is medically referred to as a nuchal cord.

A single loop is the most common situation.
Two or more loops are possible in some cases.

You may find it relieving that your baby receives oxygen through the cord and not through their mouth or nose. So, a cord around their neck does not mean anything is wrong.

How Common Is a Nuchal Cord?

A nuchal cord is a common condition in most pregnancies. About 20–30% of babies are born with the cord around their neck. Doctors easily slip the cord over the baby’s head during delivery in most cases. Complications are rare and managed well by medical teams.

So, if you hear this during an ultrasound or delivery, it is not always something to worry about.

Why Does the Cord Get Wrapped Around the Baby’s Neck?

For a number of reasons that occur naturally, the cord winds around the neck.
Babies move while in the womb: Babies often define their presence through kicking, rolling, and stretching, which may cause the cord to loop around the neck.
Long Umbilical Cord: If the cord is longer than normal, which is a rare case scenario, there is an increased chance that it to wrap around the neck. As it gives your baby increased area to function, too much amniotic fluid tends to higher the risk of loops. These natural events are not your fault, either.

Is there a risk to your baby?

Most of the time, no. Doctors are experienced in handling it. But there might be some rare risks:

If at times the cord is very tight, it tends to reduce blood flow.
Multiple loops (two or more) may increase the chance of complications.
In rare cases, it may affect the baby’s heart rate during labour.

The good news: your doctor monitors these signs closely. That’s why regular check-ups are so important.

What Are the Signs of a Nuchal Cord Before Birth?

You usually won’t know unless it’s spotted in an ultrasound. There are things which the doctors may look for including:

Looking for the baby’s heart rate pattern.
Seeing a loop on an ultrasound scan.

But even if a cord is spotted, it doesn’t mean you should panic. Most babies with a nuchal cord are born perfectly healthy.

When is it necessary for you to see a Doctor immediately?

While nuchal cords are often harmless, you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice:

Decreased baby movements (fewer kicks than usual)
Sudden strong pain or unusual bleeding
Any signs of labour that feel worrying or unusual

Your doctor may suggest monitoring or further tests to ensure everything is fine.

What are the ways for doctors to manage the cord around the neck during birth?

If your baby is born with the cord around the neck:

In most cases, the doctor simply slips it over the head.
If the cord is too tight, it may be clamped and cut before the shoulders are delivered.

Continuous monitoring during labour helps your doctor act quickly if the baby shows stress. Modern delivery practices make this much safer than it once was.

What Can You Do as an Expectant Parent?

You cannot prevent a nuchal cord, but you can:

Attend all prenatal check-ups and ultrasounds.
You should keep track of your baby’s movements daily.
Stay informed but avoid unnecessary stress. Remember, it’s common and manageable.

Emotional Support Matters:
Hearing “cord around the neck” can make you anxious. It’s natural to feel scared. Here are a few things you can do for emotional support:

Talk to your partner; sharing your feelings reduces stress.
Asking your doctor questions helps you feel less afraid.
Medical teams are ready to handle the rare risks.
Paying attention, getting regular checkups, and keeping a positive attitude are your responsibilities.

Many parents have experienced the same thing and welcomed healthy babies into the world, so you're not alone.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Why Some Infants Have a Neck Cord at Birth?

Is it possible to stop the cord from encircling my infant's neck?
No, you are powerless to stop it. Usually, the baby's natural movements are to blame.
Can I prevent the cord from wrapping around my baby’s neck?
No, you cannot control or prevent it. It’s usually caused by natural baby movements. Not always. Most babies with a nuchal cord are born safely through normal delivery. A C-section is recommended only if there are complications.
Should I worry if the ultrasound shows a nuchal cord?
Not at all. Many babies are born with it and do perfectly fine. Just follow your doctor’s advice and keep attending your appointments.