One end of the umbilical cord attaches to a baby’s belly button. The other end attaches to the placenta. But did you know that it can’t just attach to any place on the placenta? It should be stuck straight in the middle, a “bullseye” if you will. When it attaches to one side, it’s called a marginal umbilical cord. That’s abnormal, and it carries certain risks. Find out what they are below.
What is Marginal Umbilical Cord Insertion?
The umbilical cord is the lifeline between a baby and its mom during pregnancy. Blood and nutrients pass through it constantly. Usually, this cord attaches to the center of the placenta, which is known as central cord insertion. The placenta is a special organ attached to the uterus wall that transfers nutrients and oxygen from the mom’s bloodstream to the baby’s bloodstream.
Sometimes, instead of attaching in the middle, the umbilical cord sticks to the edge of the placenta. Marginal cord insertion occurs when the umbilical cord attaches to the edge of the placenta instead of the center. That’s what we call “marginal umbilical cord insertion.” It’s like if you were tying your shoelaces and accidentally placed the knot on the side of your shoe instead of the middle.
Like an odd shoelace knot, marginal cord insertion might not be a big deal. There are other types of abnormal cord insertions, and this type is one of the least dangerous. It’s only a problem when it affects the baby’s food and oxygen supply. It can affect how the baby grows. At the very least, it’s something for doctors to keep an eye on.
What Causes Marginal Umbilical Cord Insertion?
Research hasn’t revealed why marginal umbilical cords happen, at least not yet. There aren’t any genetic factors linked to it.
However, multiple pregnancies do seem to raise a woman’s risk of marginal cord insertion. This could be due to increased “competition” for space in the womb, so to speak. When two or three babies develop in the crowded womb, variations in placental development can happen.
There’s some evidence to suggest that maternal age may be a factor in the development of marginal cord insertion. So older mothers may have a slightly higher risk of this condition. Also, abnormalities in the uterus can contribute to marginal cord insertion.
Marginal Cord Insertion Risks
The sides of the placenta aren’t as “robust” as the middle. It’s a weaker area with less tissue. So a cord inserted there might not receive the support it would get from the central area. This type of marginal insertion increases the risk for complications, such as:
- Reduced blood flow to the baby
- Restricted fetal growth (Also known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- Preterm birth (baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation)
- Placental abruption ( the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before delivery)
- Need for cesarean delivery (Doctors might recommend this for the baby’s safety)
- Placenta previa (the placenta blocks the entrance of the birth canal).
- Stillbirth (in rare cases)
Marginal cord insertions can influence blood flow and nutrient supply to the fetus, leading to issues like intrauterine growth restriction and other adverse perinatal outcomes.
Having a marginal umbilical cord doesn’t necessarily mean a baby will have health issues. But it’s an issue doctors should monitor. It can sometimes cause miscarriage in the first six months of pregnancy. Marginal placental cord insertion poses some risks for both the fetus and mother, including low birth weight and preterm delivery.
Another marginal cord insertion risk is vasa previa, a rare condition. Vasa previa occurs when the blood vessels from the umbilical cord cross the entrance to the birth canal (cervix) in the womb.
Normally, these blood vessels are protected within the umbilical cord and placenta. However, in vasa previa, these vessels aren’t protected. They’re at risk of being compressed or ruptured if the cervix starts to open before delivery. This can cause severe bleeding for the baby and can be life-threatening if doctors fail to detect and treat it.
Another condition to be aware of is velamentous cord insertion, which has an increased risk profile compared to marginal cord insertion and can lead to severe outcomes like vasa previa and intrauterine growth restrictions.
How do doctors detect marginal cord insertion?
The number of marginal cord insertion risks raises the question, “Is there a way to lower the risk?” Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to keep marginal cord insertion from happening. However, doctors can lower the risk of harm to the baby if they detect and monitor the condition early.
So this leads to the question, “What are the symptoms of a marginal umbilical cord?” Most of the time, there aren’t any. At least none that the mother can see or feel. So the best way to diagnose it is through prenatal ultrasound exams. Ultrasound imaging allows them to see the placenta, umbilical cord, and their attachment to the uterine wall. They may be able to see the cord attached to the side rather than the center of the placenta.
When conducting ultrasounds, doctors can also check for warning signs, such as:
- Abnormal fetal heart rate
- Slow fetal growth
- Low amniotic fluid levels
There’s no specific treatment for marginal umbilical cord insertion itself, and an atypical umbilical cord attachment can pose pregnancy risks. So doctors must monitor the pregnancy closely and treat any complications if they arise. In some cases, if the complications are severe, doctors might recommend early delivery via induction of labor or a C-section.
If you or your baby were injured from a complication arising from marginal umbilical cord insertion, you may be entitled to compensation. Call our award-winning lawyers today to find out if you have a case.