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Umbilical Cord Avulsion: What Is It And What Are The Symptoms

Umbilical Cord Avulsion: What Is It And What Are The Symptoms

19 Apr 2023 | 4 min Read

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 1053 Articles

As a mum-to-be or a new mom, it’s essential to be informed about the potential complications during pregnancy, labour, and delivery. One rare but concerning issue is umbilical cord avulsion. What exactly is umbilical cord avulsion and how does it occur?

Read on to know about it and also the effects of umbilical cord avulsion on the baby.

What Is The Function Of The Umbilical Cord?

The umbilical cord is a 50cm long tube. It runs from a baby’s abdomen to the placenta. The tube consists of a vein and two arteries. While the vein is responsible for bringing oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby, the arteries carry carbon dioxide and waste away.

The tube also has a gelatinous substance called Wharton’s jelly which protects the blood vessels.

What Is Umbilical Cord Avulsion?

Umbilical cord avulsion, also known as cord rupture or snapped cord, occurs when the umbilical cord detaches from the baby’s body during labour or delivery. As mentioned above, the umbilical cord plays a vital role in providing the baby with nutrients, oxygen, and waste removal. Avulsion can be a serious complication as it may interrupt blood flow and oxygen supply to the baby, leading to potential health risks.

Causes Of Umbilical Cord Avulsion:

Umbilical cord avulsion can be caused by various factors, such as:

Traction on the cord

Excessive pulling or pressure on the cord during delivery can cause it to snap or rupture.

Short cord

A shorter-than-average umbilical cord may be more prone to avulsion due to increased tension during labour.

Umbilical cord abnormalities

Weakness in the cord or conditions such as vasa previa can increase the risk of avulsion.

Rapid or precipitous delivery

A fast delivery may not allow enough time for the cord to stretch and adjust, increasing the risk of avulsion.

Symptoms Of Umbilical Cord Avulsion

Your doctor may ask you to do a regular ultrasound, fetal monitoring, and physical examination to diagnose umbilical cord avulsion. Umbilical cord avulsion may be suspected if:

There is a sudden decrease in fetal heart rate during labour.
You have excessive bleeding during childbirth.
There is fetal distress.

What Are The Effects Of Umbilical Cord Avulsion On the Baby?

Depending on the severity and timing of the avulsion, the baby may experience:

Oxygen deprivation

Interruption of the oxygen supply to the baby can result in hypoxia or asphyxia, potentially leading to brain damage or other organ dysfunction.

Blood loss

The baby may lose a significant amount of blood, resulting in anaemia or shock.

Prematurity

Avulsion may prompt an early delivery, increasing the risk of complications associated with prematurity.

Managing Umbilical Cord Avulsion

The management of umbilical cord avulsion depends on the severity of the condition and the stage of labour. In some cases, an emergency cesarean section may be necessary to deliver the baby as quickly as possible and minimise the risk of complications.

If the avulsion occurs during the delivery, medical professionals will typically clamp and cut the cord immediately to reduce blood loss and then assess the baby’s condition.

How Can Umbilical Cord Avulsion Be Prevented?

While it is difficult to predict or prevent umbilical cord avulsion, certain measures can be taken to minimise the risk:

Regular prenatal care

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help identify potential umbilical cord issues and monitor the baby’s growth and development.

Gentle cord handling

Healthcare providers should handle the umbilical cord gently during delivery to minimise the risk of avulsion.

Monitoring during labour

Continuous fetal monitoring during labour can help detect changes in the baby’s heart rate, which may indicate a potential problem with the umbilical cord.

While it may not always be possible to prevent umbilical cord avulsion, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider and staying informed about your pregnancy’s progress can help you navigate any complications that may arise.

Remember, the vast majority of pregnancies and deliveries proceed without major complications. However, it is always safer to be prepared and know about potential issues, such as umbilical cord avulsion, to ensure the best possible outcome for both you and your baby.

In the event of an umbilical cord avulsion, trust your medical team to provide the appropriate care and treatment. As a mother, staying calm and relaxed can make a significant difference in managing any complications during labour and delivery.

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