Even if a mother does everything she’s instructed to do with her diet and prenatal care, it’s a whole tiny ecosystem in there. Umbilical cords help keep the fetus fed and growing, but did you know there could be knots in them?
That’s what the doctors spotted on a woman’s baby’s knotted umbilical cord that is now serving as a powerful warning to other parents. (Warning: Graphic Photos Below)
Scottish blogger Rebecca Meldrum, from Aberdeen, Scotland, is known for sharing her pregnancy online and is now sharing her experience with this rare occurrence.
Meldrum had gone through countless complications with her pregnancy and doctors decided to induce her labor at 36 weeks, over fears her unborn daughter wasn’t growing in the womb.
When the baby was born, her umbilical cord was knotted up in what is called a “true knot” cord.
Poppy weighed 5 lbs., .25 oz. when she was born and needed a little help breathing. She was taken to the neonatal unit to get the care she needed.
Here’s what Meldrum said in the caption of the photo of the umbilical cord on Instagram, “this knot was in Poppy’s cord, a True Knot which apparently is pretty uncommon 1 in 2,000 babies I think the midwife said.”
An umbilical cord knot can occur when an infant maneuver in amniotic fluid and passes through a loop in the umbilical cord, creating a knot.
Dr. Patrick O’Brien, a spokesperson for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), explained:
“The umbilical cord carries oxygen and nutrients from the placenta into the baby’s bloodstream.
“If the umbilical cord becomes tightly knotted, there will be a reduction in the flow of blood, depriving the baby of oxygen which can lead to permanent brain injury. A problem with the umbilical cord could also cause the baby to be stillborn.
“Fortunately, a true knot in the cord is very rare, and even when it happens, it is rarely so tight that it will harm the baby. Usually the knot is discovered after the birth of a healthy baby.”
Instead of coming home with her mother, Poppy had to stay in the NICU at the hospital where she is being treated. The baby was underweight and needed some help with breathing and regulating her temperature.
Her whole being pregnant journey vlog was documented on the channelmum website, she had attracted greater than 26,00zero followers who remained up to date with each improvement.
Already a mother to 2 little women, she aimed to share her “unplugged” expertise as a way to encourage different ladies who’ve had troublesome pregnancies and deliveries.
Rebecca wrote about her being pregnant: “I can honestly say I have never ever been through emotions like I have been through these last few days & I’m sure will continue to go through until we are all home together. I’ve cried in a way I’ve never heard myself cry before, loud, ugly & almost primal need for my baby to be with me.”
Meldrum’s picture garnered loads of social-media comments.
Commenting on the photo, one woman wrote: “My boy had a true knot. Thankfully c-section due to other complications. I take comfort in knowing that if it had been a dream pregnancy and a vaginal delivery he may not be here. Everything happens for a reason and all that.”
Another wrote: ”My son had a true knot too. I didn’t realise it was dangerous, just knew that the midwives were amazed.”
Sources: OpposingViews, Daily Mail
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