EXTREMELY LONG UMBILICAL CORD

A CASE STUDY ON ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN DIAGNOSIS AND PRENATAL CARE

Abstract

Access to the placenta is represented by the umbilical cord. Therefore, complications linked to the umbilical cord are directly conditioned to the nutritional part of the fetus. Problems relating to a long umbilical cord include risk of preterm labor, placental abruption, and vascular occlusion from thrombosis. Closer to delivery, it also predisposes to cord circulation in the cervical region, prolapse and true knot. Umbilical cord abnormalities can be detected by ultrasound, with important diagnostic and prognostic implications in terms of perinatal morbidity and mortality. In this study we present the case report of a pregnant woman with previous ultrasound showing delayed intrauterine regrowth. At delivery, newborn with extremely long umbilical cord, six circular cords in the cervical region. This abnormality in the umbilical cord can have numerous clinical repercussions for fetal well-being, showing the importance of knowing the anatomy and normal development of the umbilical cord for accurate prenatal diagnosis and evaluation.