Neonatal and Maternal Outcomes in Pregnancies with Sonographically Diagnosed Nuchal Cord: A Prospective Cohort Study

Mahmood, Eman; Sarsam, Samar

doi:10.52573/ipmj.2026.166911

	Neonatal and Maternal Outcomes in Pregnancies with Sonographically Diagnosed Nuchal Cord: A Prospective Cohort Study
Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal
Volume 25, Issue 3, July 2026, Pages 331-340 PDF (911.39 K)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.52573/ipmj.2026.166911
Authors
Eman Mahmood^* ¹; Samar Sarsam²
¹Ministry of health
²Al-kindy medical college
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Background: Nuchal cords, where the umbilical cord encircles the fetal neck, are a common obstetric finding, potentially impacting neonatal and maternal outcomes. Their clinical significance remains debated. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the prevalence of nuchal cords in pregnancies at Al Elwiya maternity teaching hospital and to evaluate the association between nuchal cord presence and effects on neonatal and maternal outcomes. Patients and Methods: A prospective, single-center, cohort study was conducted at Al-Elwiya Maternity Teaching Hospital from first of January to first of December 2024. It included 600 pregnant women in the study 107 had an ultrasound diagnosed with nuchal cords. Data collection encompassed maternal demographics, obstetric history, labor characteristics, and neonatal outcomes. Results: Nuchal cords were found in 17.8% of pregnant women. Cesarean delivery was more common in the nuchal cord group (29.9%) versus controls (15.6%; P = 0.001). Neonates with nuchal cords had slightly lower birthweights (P = 0.045) but comparable Apgar scores. Multiloop nuchal cords were associated with poorer outcomes, including increased neonatal intensive care unit admissions (26.2%; P = 0.015). Conclusion: Nuchal cords are associated with higher cesarean delivery rates and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Multiloop nuchal cords present greater risks, emphasizing the need for meticulous intrapartum monitoring.
Keywords
Nuchal Cord; Cesarean Delivery; Neonatal Outcomes; Multiloop Cord

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