A study that looked at the outcomes of pregnancies complicated by a multiple nuchal cord entanglement included 8,565 deliveries. A single loop of cord around the fetal neck at delivery was found in 2,191 deliveries, and more than one loop was found in 326 deliveries. Pregnancies with a multiple cord entanglement were more likely to have an abnormal cardiotocograph consisting of persistent variable decelerations in advanced labor. These infants were also more likely to have meconium, a low Apgar score at one minute, and a low umbilical artery pH of <7.10. There was no difference in the rate of cesarean sections, placental abruption and Apgar scores at five minutes between the two groups, and no stillbirths occurred in the cord entanglement group. The study concluded that with multiple nuchal cord entanglement there was no risk of adverse neonatal outcome, and that a multiple cord entanglement is not a contributing factor in intrapartum stillbirth, placental abruption or cesarean delivery.
-MIDIRS, December 1996
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 1 Issue 30, July 23, 1999)
To subscribe to the E-News write: enews@midwiferytoday.com
For all other matters contact Midwifery Today:
PO Box 2672-940, Eugene OR 97402
541-344-7438, midwifery@aol.com, Midwifery Today
|
|