A knot in a baby’s umbilical cord is called a “True Knot of Umbilical Cord.” It can be caused by high levels of amniotic fluid in the womb, or occur when the baby inadvertently experiences cord entanglement while being active inside the womb. While in most cases, there aren’t any complications during birth, some cases have risks involved. In this article, we shall address all the concerns/ questions you may have about a knot of the umbilical cord, its symptoms and treatment.
The umbilical cord connects a foetus to the mother and helps provide blood rich in oxygen and nutrients. It resembles a cord and consists of two arteries and one vein which are protected and held together by a substance called “Wharton’s Jelly”. When this umbilical cord forms a knot inside the womb, it is called a True Knot of Umbilical Cord. The condition is also known as cord knots, placental Knots and umbilical cord knots.
There’s also something called a false knot in the umbilical cord. The medical practitioner needs to be sure about the kind of knot it is to ensure he/she takes appropriate measures during childbirth.
So, what is the difference between these two knots? Let’s find out.
A false knot is simply an excess covering of Wharton’s Jelly, which makes it look very similar to a true knot. False knots never endanger the foetus whereas true knots might.
The next obvious question in your mind must be – how common a true knot is. Read on to know more.
A knot in the umbilical cord is surprisingly common during pregnancies. One in every 100 pregnancies has been diagnosed with this condition. However, the fatality rate due to true knot in the umbilical cord is low; with only one in every 2,000 births causing complications. In the case of twins sharing the same amniotic sac in the uterus, chances of true knots are generally higher as there are two cords within the same sac.
So, what is it that causes a true knot in the umbilical cord? Let’s find out.
Here are some factors that can cause a knot in the umbilical cord:
Decreased foetal activity after the 37th week of pregnancy might be associated with knot in the umbilical cord. Foetal activity slows down when the blood circulation is compromised. The degree depends on how tight the knot is, thereby compromising the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the child. The condition can be confirmed with an ultrasound after the gynaecologist makes a thorough diagnosis, which we shall talk about in the next sub-head.
These are the modules used when diagnosing this condition:
True knots are difficult to diagnose prenatally. This is because, they have been reported to form in all three trimesters and during scanning, the whole length of the umbilical cord is not routinely seen.
Some people are at greater risk of having knot formations in the uterus. These include:
By now, you are probably wondering if this condition can be treated. Let’s find out.
Unfortunately, there are no treatments available for a true knot in the umbilical cord. However, there are ways the gynaecologist can carry out your childbirth to ensure minimal or no damage to your little one. Here’s what is usually done when the doctor has diagnosed a true knot in the umbilical cord:
These actions are taken depending on how tight the knot is. But, there are cases where the condition can lead to medical complications.
Here are some health complications that might occur when a baby is born with a true knot in the umbilical cord:
Let’s also take a look at the prognosis of a true knot in the umbilical cord.
One the following could be the prognosis of this condition:
All the information about true knots in the umbilical cord might sound daunting, making you think if there are preventive measures you could take. The next section should answer your question.
Studies have shown that detecting knot formation can be difficult to observe even with an ultrasound. This is because they have no characteristic patterns associated with them. However, sudden distress in the baby due to lack of proper oxygen and nutrients could indicate the presence of a true knot. To identify these sudden changes, one of the following can be done.
The formation of a true knot in the umbilical cord is a dangerous phenomenon as it could lead to the blockage of oxygen and nutrients. Despite advances in modern medicine, medical professionals are yet to find a reliable way to detect the condition. Thankfully, true knot formation is something that is rare and medical institutions have reliable systems to ensure the survival of the baby during childbirth.
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