Source
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. dr_neenalal@yahoo.com
Abstract
AIM:
To study the persistence of nuchal cord by ultrasound at various periods of gestation.
METHODS:
Ultrasound was done on 200 consecutive pregnant women and nuchal cord was documented at 18-20, 30-32 and 36-38 weeks' gestation.
RESULTS:
The incidence of nuchal cord was 6% at 18-20 weeks, 7.5% at 30-32 weeks, 26.5% at 36-38 weeks and 28% at birth. The persistence of nuchal cord was 8.3% from 18 to 20 to 30-32 weeks, 26.6% from 30-32 to 36-38 weeks and 84.9% from 36-38 weeks to delivery. Using the Friedman test, the change in the presence of nuchal cord was significant (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
Nuchal cord keeps appearing and disappearing over time. Its