A knot in the baby's umbilical cord? Is this really dangerous? (True Knot in Umbilical Cord) Let's find out

As a new mom, you're probably wondering about a thousand things. It's normal to wonder if the baby is okay, if he's getting everything he needs, and if I'm doing everything right. At a time like this, hearing about something like a "knot in the umbilical cord" can be a scary thought. But don't worry. Today, we'll talk about what it really is, why it happens, and what we need to be aware of.

Simply put, what is a knot in the umbilical cord?

This is like a knot forming in your shoelace. The umbilical cord is the lifeline that carries oxygen and nutrients to the baby and carries the baby's waste back. It's like a little bridge between you and the baby. As the baby moves around inside the womb, sometimes this umbilical cord can become knotted.

But here's the thing. Not all knots that form are dangerous. Most of the time, these are very loose knots. There's a jelly-like substance inside the umbilical cord, which we call `(Wharton's jelly)`, that keeps these knots from getting tight. There are times when these little knots will come loose on their own when the baby turns again.

But, very rarely , in less than 1 in 100 pregnancies, this knot can become very tight. That's what doctors call a "true knot. " The harm that can come from a tight knot like this is that it can cut off the oxygen and nutrients that reach the baby.

But I repeat, this is a very rare occurrence . In most cases, a healthy baby is born without any problems.

Why do these kinds of problems arise? Am I responsible for this?

Absolutely not. This is not your fault. This is not something you can control. The main reason for this is the baby's movements inside the womb . When the baby is moving and twisting, these knots can form. It is very natural.

However, doctors have identified several factors that slightly increase the risk of developing a ``True Knot'' in some cases. If you have one or more of these, your doctor will pay close attention to it.

Is a decrease in baby's movements also a sign?

Yes. A sudden decrease in baby's movements during the third trimester of pregnancy can also be a sign that this type of knot has tightened. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the baby's movements.

Is it possible to know in advance if there is a knot?

Most of the time, it is only after the baby is born that you know for sure whether this lump is there or not, because it is very difficult to see it clearly even with an ultrasound scan.

However, sometimes, if the doctor sees a decrease in the baby's heartbeat or other unusual patterns during the scan, this may raise suspicions.

Also, during labor, if there are sudden changes in the baby's heartbeat along with the contractions, doctors suspect this knot, because the knot can become even tighter as the uterus contracts.

What are the possible complications if there is a knot?

This may sound scary to you, but it's important to be aware. If a ``True Knot'' becomes too tight, the baby's oxygen supply can be completely cut off. We call this condition ``Hypoxia''.

The long-term effects depend on how tight the knot is. If the knot is too tight and the oxygen supply is cut off for a long time, it can even affect the baby's life. There is also a possibility of brain damage.

• Cerebral Palsy
• Damage to the brain due to lack of oxygen (Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy - HIE)
• Developmental or cognitive delays

These situations can occur. But, I emphasize again, these are the most severe outcomes that rarely occur. In most cases, because the knot is not too tight or because of the prompt intervention of doctors, a healthy baby is born without any harm.

Is there a treatment or management for this?

There is no way to untie this knot in the womb, so doctors focus on managing the condition.

• If detected early: If a lump is suspected during a prenatal scan, your doctor will monitor you and your baby very closely . This may include more frequent scans, baby growth monitoring, and Doppler studies to check the baby's blood flow.
• If detected during labor: If a knot is suspected during labor, such as a decrease in the baby's heart rate, the medical team will be on high alert. If the baby shows any signs of ``fetal distress,'' they will decide to perform an emergency C-section . At this point, their only goal is to save the baby without wasting a second.

So, if you are under the care of a skilled medical team, they can handle this type of emergency. Your job is to follow the doctor's instructions and inform them immediately of any changes you notice.