Study of Length of Umbilical Cord at Term and Its Correlation with Fetal Outcome: A Study of 500 Deliveries

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Umbilical cord plays an important role in the life of the fetus. Though variations in shape and other features of umbilical cord are common, some variations can adversely affect the pregnancy outcomes. Aims and objectives The aim of our study was to study the correlation between the length of the umbilical cord in term gestation evaluated after birth and fetal outcome. Materials and methods This study was carried out on 500 patients admitted in our hospital. It was a prospective study. In this study, the length of umbilical cord was measured after delivery in subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Examination of umbilical cord was done regarding the presence of any loop around neck, trunk, number of loops of cord and positions, presence of true or false knots of cord, or any other cord abnormalities, such as cord varix and cord hematoma. Fetal parameters regarding sex, weight, and length of the newborn and Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (Apgar) score at 1 and 5 minutes were measured and its correlation with umbilical cord parameters was studied. Results In our study, the cord length varied from 16 to 144 cm. The mean cord length was 64.2 cm (±17.26 cm) and mean cord thickness was 1.21 cm (±0.39 cm). Maximum cases seen were in the group of cord length between 50 and 59 cm (27.8%). Lower sixth percentile was considered as short cord and upper sixth percentile was considered as long cord. A positive correlation existed between the cord length and birth weight and placental weight and body length of the newborn. There was no significant difference between sex of the fetuses and the cord length. Abnormal cord length cases (long and short group) have higher incidences of cord complications, and hence there was increased incidence of operative interference in such cases. The cases of long cord group had maximum number of lower segment cesarean section (46.43%). The significance was tested by using a chi-square test, and it was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The incidence of birth asphyxia (21%) was significantly more in long and short cords as compared with normal length cords (p < 0.01). How to cite this article Sharma S, Soliriya V. Study of Length of Umbilical Cord at Term and Its Correlation with Fetal Outcome: A Study of 500 Deliveries. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2016;8(3):207-211.