What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Furcate Cord Insertion
• Furcate Umbilical Cord Insertion

What is Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord? (Definition/Background Information)

• The blood vessels of the umbilical cord are covered by a material called Wharton’s jelly. This jelly not only covers the blood vessels, but also supports and protects them from damage
• In Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord, the blood vessels insert into the placental disc without the protective Wharton’s jelly covering. This loss of protection makes the umbilical cord blood vessels more vulnerable to damage
• These unprotected blood vessels can cause complications such as fetal hemorrhage and intra-partum hemorrhage
• There are no causative factors and risk factors associated with Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord
• The signs and symptoms of Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord may include excessive hemorrhage during childbirth and decreased blood supply to the fetus, which may affect fetal growth and development
• The condition may be diagnosed by a physical examination, evaluation of complete medical history, and an ultrasound scan of the abdomen
• Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord requires no treatment and the outcome is generally good in a majority of cases. However, complications can develop which may be avoided through an elective C-section delivery
• Presently, Furcate Umbilical Cord Insertion is a condition that cannot be prevented

Who gets Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord is a rare condition that may occur in pregnant women of all ages
• Women who are pregnant with both male and female fetuses can be affected
• There is no racial, ethnic, or geographical predilection observed

What are the Risk Factors for Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord
• Research is being performed to identify the relevant risk factors

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord is unknown
• However, some researchers believe that an abnormal development of the placental tissue may result in the condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord?

The signs and symptoms of Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord may include:

• Excessive hemorrhage/bleeding during childbirth
• Blood vessel compression
• Decreased blood flow to the fetus
• The furcate insertion may be observed on an ultrasound scan

How is Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord may involve:

• Physical examination along with an evaluation of one’s medical history
• Prenatal ultrasound scan may reveal the insertion

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord?

Complications due to Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord may include:

• Preterm birth
• A Furcate Cord Insertion may cause a decrease in blood flow to the developing fetus. This can result in intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and other congenital abnormalities in the developing fetus
• Studies have shown that some pregnancies end-up in spontaneous abortions, either in the 1^st or 2^nd trimester
• Excessive hemorrhage/bleeding during childbirth can result in fetal mortality
• Compression of the blood vessels can cause fetal distress
• If the insertion is present in the cervical outlet of the uterus, they may rupture during early labor. This can result in stillbirth. This condition is known as vasa previa

How is Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord Treated?

• There is no specific treatment available for Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord
• Treatment is directed towards managing the fetal complications associated with this condition. Delivery through an elective cesarean section may be necessary to avoid some of the complications
• If the condition is diagnosed at childbirth due to the presence of excessive bleeding, then an emergency C-section may have to be performed

How can Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord
• Complications may be avoided during delivery by considering a cesarean section (C-section) surgery

What is the Prognosis of Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• In a majority of cases, the prognosis of Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord is good
• However, if complications develop, then the prognosis is guarded. In such cases, it is dependent upon the severity of the complications

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Furcate Insertion of Umbilical Cord:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-related-disorders/