Abstract
Objectives: To search into aetiological factors of nuchal cord (NC). To
understand its relation with amniotic fluid levels and perinatal
outcome.
Design: A prospective case-control study.
Setting: Shree Hospital and Research Institute (SHRI), Kolhapur, India.
Population of sample: 95 non-complimented singleton pregnant women.
Method: Maternal age, socioeconomic status, education level, and parity
were noted. They underwent ultrasonography at 34 weeks onwards. NC, if
present, along with amniotic fluid index were reported. They were
followed until parturition. Intrapartum assessment of liquor, APGAR,
fetal need for oxygen, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), gender, and
birth weight were noted. Participants were divided into nuchal cord at
birth (NCB) and the no-nuchal cord (NNCB) groups. Parameters were
analysed.
Result: NC incidence is highest in young (≤ 24 yrs), low socioeconomic
status, higher education, primigravida, excess liquor, and male fetus.
It causes reduction in liquor level, low fetal birth weight, low 1 min
APGAR, extended oxygen (> 30 min), and NICU support.
Conclusion: The epidemiological factors and excess liquor play an
essential role in NC. It may be related to maternal stress. However, NC
results in oligohydramnios, low birth weight, and fetal distress. The
nuchal cord is not a physiological condition.
Keywords: Aetiology, nuchal cord, true knot, problematic cord
conditions, APGAR, AFI, fetal gender, stress.