Velamentous Cord Insertion – A Case Report

Abstract

Normally the umbilical cord is inserted into the central portion of placenta; at times the cord is inserted distally from the margin; onto the fetal membranes, called velamentous insertion. After the insertion the umbilical vessels traverse unsupported for a variable distance between amnion and chorion before reaching the placenta. These vessels can get compressed and torn especially in labour resulting in acute fetal distress and at times fetal death. We report a case where the cause of fetal distress during labour was compression of these vessels. There is a strong case of finding out site of cord insertion when the antenatal cases are undergoing routine sonography. Once abnormal insertion is detected then these pregnancies should be monitored closely as the chances of both antenatal and intranatal complications are higher in such pregnancies.