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

• Umbilical Cord Stricture

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

• Stricture of Umbilical Cord is an uncommon condition where there is a sharp narrowing of the umbilical cord, which can cause significant health issues in the developing fetus
• 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
• Stricture of Umbilical Cord is generally associated with long umbilical cords or hypercoiling of the cord
• The signs and symptoms of the condition may include fetal distress and the presence of a stricture, as observed through a prenatal ultrasound scan
• Stricture of Umbilical Cord requires appropriate and prompt treatment for an optimal outcome. The treatment and prognosis is dependent upon the severity of signs and symptoms and the stage of pregnancy
• Currently, Stricture of Umbilical Cord is a condition that cannot be prevented

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

• Stricture 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 Stricture of Umbilical Cord? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Stricture of Umbilical Cord may include:

• Umbilical cord torsion
• Long length of the umbilical cord
• Infection or trauma to the umbilical cord
• History of an earlier pregnancy with the condition increases the risk in subsequent pregnancies

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 Stricture of Umbilical Cord? (Etiology)

• Stricture of Umbilical Cord is caused by the narrowing of the umbilical cord due to various reasons. However, the exact reason why this condition occurs is unknown
• 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 Stricture of Umbilical Cord?

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

• Decreased blood supply to the fetus
• Compression of blood vessel resulting in fetal distress (such as abnormal fetal heart rate)

How is Stricture of Umbilical Cord Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Stricture of Umbilical Cord may involve:

• Physical examination along with an evaluation of one’s medical history
• Prenatal ultrasound scan, which may reveal the stricture
• 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 Stricture of Umbilical Cord?

Complications due to Stricture of Umbilical Cord may include:

• Blood vessel compression within the cord leading to severe fetal distress
• Miscarriages (most conditions occur unnoticed)
• Stillbirths

How is Stricture of Umbilical Cord Treated?

• Stricture of Umbilical Cord can be a medical emergency in case of fetal distress. In such cases, the delivery of the baby should be considered taking into account the stage of pregnancy
• A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is necessary, since the presence of Stricture of Umbilical Cord is considered to be a high-risk pregnancy

How can Stricture of Umbilical Cord be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Stricture of Umbilical Cord
• A careful and periodic monitoring of the pregnancy is advised and recommended
• If there is a prior history of the condition, then counseling can help assess risks, before planning for a child

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

• In a pregnant woman, Stricture of Umbilical Cord is high-risk situation and it is frequently associated with miscarriages and fetal deaths
• Subject to various factors, a prompt delivery of the baby, in case of a fetal distress, can help ensure better outcomes. However, the prognosis of the condition is typically guarded

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Stricture of Umbilical Cord:

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

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