Nuchal Cord (Cord Around the Neck)
What it means and how the care team handles it
What a Nuchal Cord Is
A nuchal cord is when the umbilical cord wraps around the baby's neck. This happens in about 20 to 30 percent of all births and is rarely dangerous. The cord is usually loose enough to slip over the baby's head during delivery. Care providers are experienced with this situation and manage it routinely.
How the Care Team Handles It
After the baby's head is born, the care provider checks for cord around the neck. If the cord is loose, they slip it over the baby's head before the shoulders are born. If the cord is too tight to slip over, they clamp and cut it before the shoulders are delivered. This happens quickly and is a standard maneuver.
What You Should Know
A nuchal cord is almost always harmless. The baby receives oxygen through the cord until they take their first breath, and a loose wrap does not interfere with that. If you see the cord during the birth, do not pull on it. Do not try to cut it yourself. Let the care team handle it. Most people never even know it happened unless the provider mentions it afterward.