Nuchal Cord
A nuchal cord is a fetal condition in which the umbilical cord wraps around the neck of a fetus during gestation. It is surprisingly common, affecting up to a third of all pregnancies. The severity of the condition varies from case to case, some being classified as “loose,” and others as “tight.” There are two categories of nuchal cord:
- Type A—the umbilical cord wraps fully around the neck
- Type B—the cord tangles in itself and becomes knotted
Although a nuchal cord is a challenging pregnancy complication, the risks can be minimized with proper diagnosis and handling by a skilled doctor. If your baby suffered a birth injury because of a medical professional’s negligence, the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., want to help you. Call us today at 215-238-1130 to learn more.
Correction During Delivery
A capable doctor or midwife should be able to recognize a nuchal cord and take actions to prevent strangulating the baby during delivery. Some methods of nuchal cord correction include:
- Slipping a loosely wrapped cord over the baby’s head
- Slipping a tightly wrapped cord across the body and over the feet
- Maneuver the baby into a somersault to untangle the cord
- Cord clamping and cutting when the baby has access to air
Contact Us
If your baby was harmed because of strangulation during birth, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The dedicated Philadelphia birth injury lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., believe that negligent and incompetent doctors should be held accountable when they cause harm to innocent patients. Contact our offices today at 215-238-1130 to learn more.