Is A Loop Of The Umbilical Cord Around The Fetus' Head At 32 Weeks Of Pregnancy A Serious Medical Issue?

Posted on Thu, 28 Jan 2021

Question: Just had a ultrasound of my pregnant wife at week 32. All ok.
BPD - 80.8 mm, HC - 286.4 mm, AC -261.3 mm, FL - 61.0 mm, AFI - 14 cm.
Heart rate - 135 bpm. EFBW - 1.9Kg (+- 15%)
Grade II placenta is seen anteriorly in upper segment.

Concern - A loop of umbilical cord seen around neck.
Does it something serious? and it means that it will lead to C section? Please help.

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It doesn't necessarily mean c-section.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The ultrasound for fetal growth parameters seems normal and the loop of cord around the neck is not necessarily a concern at 32 weeks as there are all chances that it may uncoil itself at term due to foetal movements. However if it persists and is loose, then even vaginal delivery can be contemplated under obstetrics monitoring during labour keeping in check any foetal distress during labour. If it occurs so, then mother can be taken up for a c-section anytime.
I hope i have answered your query,
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (8 minutes later)

Thanks Dr XXXXXXX for prompt revert. Appreciate!

One more concern, last time when I had USG done(2 months back), EDD was 27th July2018.
Yesterday when done EDD was 5th August 2018.
Although I can see that baby weight is fine 1.9Kg(32 weeks), than why EDD ismoving forward.

Thanks in advance.

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answered

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The discrepancy of 5-10% during ultrasound is always taken under consideration by a gynaecologist and hence the EDD used by us is always calculated from the lady's last menstrual period and we do not rely on ultrasound EDD.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng