Rupture of Umbilical Cord

Rupture of Umbilical Cord

Article
Women's Health
Diseases & Conditions
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAOct 23, 2018

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

  • Complete Umbilical Cord Rupture
  • Partial Umbilical Cord Rupture
  • Umbilical Cord Rupture

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

  • A Rupture of Umbilical Cord can occur either partially or completely. A complete rupture is a rare condition, which can be life-threatening to the fetus or newborn. It is a medical emergency. A partial rupture of the umbilical cord is more common than a complete rupture
  • 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 umbilical cord contains two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein, providing a connection between maternal and fetal blood circulation
  • 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 Rupture of Umbilical Cord generally occurs during (near) childbirth and not during the intrauterine pregnancy phase. Also, it cannot be generally diagnosed using regular diagnostic tools
  • Torsion of the umbilical cord, infection, or trauma to the umbilical cord are some of the risks for the condition
  • The signs and symptoms of Umbilical Cord Rupture may include excessive bleeding and decreased blood supply to the fetus
  • Rupture of Umbilical Cord requires prompt and emergency treatment for an optimal outcome
  • Currently, Rupture of Umbilical Cord is a condition that cannot be prevented

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

  • Rupture of Umbilical Cord 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 Rupture of Umbilical Cord? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Rupture of Umbilical Cord may include:

  • Umbilical cord torsion
  • Short length of the umbilical cord
  • Infection or trauma to the umbilical cord

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 Rupture of Umbilical Cord? (Etiology)

  • Rupture of Umbilical Cord is caused by weakening of the umbilical cord due to infection, trauma, or because of too much pressure on the cord
  • The umbilical cord usually ruptures at the fetal end and not at the placental end

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 Rupture of Umbilical Cord?

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

  • Excessive hemorrhage/bleeding during childbirth
  • Decreased blood flow to the fetus
  • Compression of blood vessel resulting in fetal distress

How is Rupture of Umbilical Cord Diagnosed?

A clinical diagnosis of Rupture of Umbilical Cord is usually made at childbirth, during the process of labor.

  • The use of radiological studies or other diagnostic tools are not necessary for a diagnosis, in a majority of cases
  • 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 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 Rupture of Umbilical Cord?

Complications due to Rupture of Umbilical Cord may include:

  • Stillbirths due to rupture of blood vessels during early labor
  • Excessive hemorrhage/bleeding during childbirth can result in fetal mortality
  • Compression of the blood vessels can cause fetal distress
  • Cerebral palsy of the fetus

How is Rupture of Umbilical Cord Treated?

  • Rupture of Umbilical Cord is a medical emergency and the treatment is directed at saving the child and managing the associated complications.
  • The baby is delivered immediately without any delay. In case of any delays, it may cause severe health issues in the newborn child
  • A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is necessary, since the presence of Umbilical Cord Rupture is considered to be a high-risk pregnancy

How can Rupture of Umbilical Cord be Prevented?

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

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

  • In a pregnant woman, the Rupture of Umbilical Cord is an emergency situation that requires quick medical attention. A prompt delivery of the child can help ensure a successful outcome
  • A partial rupture of the umbilical cord has a better prognosis than a complete cord rupture
  • A delayed treatment or a lack of treatment may result in the death of the baby, or cause adverse health complications for the baby

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Rupture of Umbilical Cord:

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

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

Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!