Length of the umbilical cord and perinatal outcomes: a study of 500 deliveries

Abstract

Background: The umbilical cord is the lifeline of the fetus. Though variations in shape and other features of umbilical cord are common, some variations can adversely affect the pregnancy outcomes. Objective: The present study was undertaken to find out association between umbilical cord length and perinatal outcome. Method: A total of 500 cases were selected randomly from a group of patients who were admitted in the labor room with a period of gestation >34 weeks. The length of umbilical cord was measured after delivery and examination of umbilical cord was done. Fetal parameters recorded and correlated with umbilical cord parameters. Results: The mean cord length was 56.93±9.18cm. We found statistically significant association of cord complications with increase in the cord length (i.e., long cords) and cord complications were associated with more incidences of LSCS (nuchal cord 37.07%, true knot 33.33%, and 100% for cord prolapse). Fetal heart rate abnormalities were higher in both long (82.85%) and short cord group (45%) as compared to 15.73% in normal cord length. Perinatal outcome of the babies in terms of birth weight was statistically insignificant (> 0.05), but the APGAR score, NICU, TCU and nursery admissions rate, as well as umbilical cord coiling was directly proportional to the length of the cord. Conclusion: Cases with abnormal cord length (short and long cords) had higher incidence of cord complications, increased incidence of operative interference, intrapartum complications, increased fetal heart rate abnormalities, and more chances of birth asphyxia. Thus, this study shows the importance of the knowledge of cord length.

Keywords

• umbilical cord
• perinatal outcome
• cord length
• nuchal cord
• fetal heart rate
• cord coiling