The umbilical cord carries blood from the placenta to the developing baby and cord abnormalities can be dangerous for both the fetus and the mother. Cords have an average length of 24 inches at birth, according to Dr. Richard Naeye, author of Disorders of the Placenta, Fetus, and Neonate.
Problems With a Short Umbilical Cord
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, approximately 6% of babies are born with a short umbilical cord. The risks to a baby with a short umbilical cord, under 12 1/2 inches in length, include having a prolonged labor, experiencing fetal distress and being smaller than the average for their gestational age. Extremely short cords seen in ultrasound may indicate a genetic problem and the doctor should follow up on this kind of observation with further genetic tests.
Sometimes, a short umbilical cord will prevent the baby from being able to travel all the way down the birth canal because the cord acts like a rope holding the baby back. Other problems that occur with a short cord are when the cord pulls the placenta free earlier than it should during birth or the cord ruptures due to the tugging. Babies with these problems must be delivered by emergency C-section if the umbilical cord length is not discovered before the birth.
Short umbilical cord babies are considered at high risk for having potentially fatal problems during their first year of life, so they should be monitored carefully by both their parents and their pediatrician during that first year.
Problems With a Long Umbilical Cord
Umbilical cords over 27 1/2 inches are considered long. A long umbilical cord doesn't generally indicate any birth defects, but can be a problem if the fetus gets tangled in the cord or manages to tie it into a tight knot that prevents proper blood and nutrient flow. This kind of fetal entanglement is not uncommon and can often be treated during birth as long as the medical practitioner is aware of it beforehand.
Some doctors and researchers believe that a long cord is a sign of a hyperactive baby, since the length of the cord normally increases with increased movement of the fetus in the womb.
In most cases, a short umbilical cord is more worrisome than a long umbilical cord, but both conditions should be carefully watched by the doctor to ensure that any necessary medical steps, such as an emergency C-section, can be planned for well ahead of time.
Potential Causes of Umbilical Cord Accidents – Umbilical Cord Knots and Nuchal Cord Issues
To learn more about potential problems caused by the fetal umbilical cord, see the article Fetal Umbilical Cord Problems for information about umbilical cord knots and umbilical cords wrapped around a baby's neck. Find out when and if these things are a real problem or just a minor worry.
Sources:
Krakowiak P, et al. Risk factors and outcomes associated with a short umbilical cord. Obstet Gynecol January 2004;103:119-27.
Marie Helen Beall, MD. Umbilical Cord Complications. eMedicine
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