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

• Umbilical Cord Hematoma

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

• Hematoma of Umbilical Cord is an uncommon condition that is defined as the accumulation of blood within the umbilical cord
• In many cases, the cause of Hematoma of Umbilical Cord is unknown. However, it is associated with certain iatrogenic procedures (such as cord blood sampling procedure) and cord developmental defects, in some cases
• The placenta is an organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall. It is a disc shaped reddish brown structure that connects the fetus to the mother through the umbilical cord
• The normal function of placenta is to supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus from the mother’s blood and remove wastes from the fetal body
• The umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein, providing a connection between maternal and fetal blood circulation. Hematoma of Umbilical Cord often occurs from an umbilical artery rather than from an umbilical vein
• The signs and symptoms of Hematoma of Umbilical Cord may include excessive bleeding and decreased blood supply to the fetus resulting in fetal distress
• Hematoma of Umbilical Cord may require prompt and emergency treatment (if fetal distress is observed) for an improved prognosis. Nevertheless, the condition results in fetal fatalities in about half of the cases, during labor or after birth
• Currently, there are no preventative measures present for Hematoma of Umbilical Cord

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

• Hematoma of Umbilical Cord may occur in pregnant women of all ages. Some study researches indicate that the incidence of the condition may be around 1 in 10,000 pregnancies
• 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 Hematoma of Umbilical Cord? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Hematoma of Umbilical Cord. Research is being performed to identify the relevant risk factors
• Trauma or infection of the umbilical cord and cord abnormalities (during its formation) may play a role in some cases

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 Hematoma of Umbilical Cord? (Etiology)

In a majority of cases, the exact cause of Hematoma of Umbilical Cord is unknown. It occurs due to the rupture of varix (an abnormal dilatation) of the umbilical vein. It is believed that the following factors may be responsible, in some cases:

• Infection
• Developmental defects in the umbilical cord
• Trauma due to certain invasive diagnostic procedures, such as amniocentesis and percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling

The condition is not caused by what the expectant mother does or does not do, either prior to or during pregnancy.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hematoma of Umbilical Cord?

The signs and symptoms of Hematoma of Umbilical Cord may include:

• Hemorrhage or bleeding in the amniotic cavity due to hematoma rupture
• Decreased blood flow to the fetus resulting in fetal distress
• Large hematomas may cause umbilical cord compression, which can affect the development of the growing fetus

How is Hematoma of Umbilical Cord Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Hematoma of Umbilical Cord may involve:

• Physical examination along with an evaluation of one’s medical history
• The healthcare provider may check for any signs of fetal distress (such as non-reassuring fetal heart rate)
• Prenatal abdominal ultrasound, which can help visualize the umbilical cord development
• Amniocentesis, which may reveal blood in the amniotic fluid
• A careful examination of the placenta by a pathologist after birth of the child, to macroscopically (gross visual exam) and microscopically analyze the placental tissue may help establish a definitive diagnosis

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 Hematoma of Umbilical Cord?

Complications due to Hematoma of Umbilical Cord may include:

• Severe umbilical cord compression due to large hematomas may result in fetal distress
• Severe fetal distress may require intensive care monitoring of the newborn baby, immediately on birth of the baby
• Stillbirths and higher fetal mortalities

How is Hematoma of Umbilical Cord Treated?

• Hematoma of Umbilical Cord can be a medical emergency in case of a fetal distress. An emergency delivery may be necessary to save the fetus and manage associated complications
• A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is necessary, since the presence of a hematoma is considered to be a high-risk pregnancy

How can Hematoma of Umbilical Cord be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Hematoma of Umbilical Cord
• A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is advised and recommended

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

• Hematoma of Umbilical Cord can be a life-threatening condition. It is associated with a high perinatal (during labor or after birth of child) mortality rate of about 50%
• Inadequate treatment may result in death of the baby or result in adverse health complications

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Hematoma of Umbilical Cord:

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

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