Am J Perinatol 1997; 14(9): 555-557
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994333
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Nuchal Cord Entanglements and Gestational Age

Janet D. Larson, William F. Rayburn, Victor L. Harlan
  • Section of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this observational study was to investigate the relation between nuchal cord entanglements and gestational age. Computerized data from our hospital perinatal database were reviewed between January 1990 and December 1994. Data from all deliveries ≥20 weeks' gestation underwent either a Cochran-Mantel test for trend or Chi-square testing where appropriate. Of the 1 3,895 singleton deliveries, the finding of an entanglement increased significantly from 5.8% at 20 weeks to 29.0% at 42 weeks' gestation. The frequencies increased linearly, regardless of whether the entanglement involved a single loop (p < 0.001) or multiple loops (p < 0.002). The risk of an antepartum stillbirth was not increased in the presence of a nuchal cord entanglement, even after controlling for other risk factors. These normative data should serve as a reference for prenatal ultrasound examinations and for prospective studies intended to evaluate the predictive value of reporting this finding prenatally.