Nuchal cord – aetiological factors, perinatal outcome, and its relation
with amniotic fluid: A case-control study
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.