What is a nuchal cord birth injury?
A nuchal cord injury happens when the umbilical cord wraps around a baby’s neck and causes harm.
Nuchal cords are common and often harmless. In many cases, doctors can unwrap the cord without any issues.
However, if the cord is too tight or not managed properly, it can reduce oxygen and blood flow to the baby. This may lead to serious complications like brain damage, cerebral palsy (CP), or even death.
Prompt medical care is critical. If a doctor fails to recognize or respond to a nuchal cord, the injury may be considered medical negligence, and families may be able to file a birth injury lawsuit.
Some of these lawsuits award multimillion-dollar payouts, helping families cover the costs of medical care, therapy, and other related expenses.
Cerebral Palsy Guide partners with a network of skilled attorneys nationwide who have secured over $1 billion for families.
Find out if we can help your family, too. Get a free case review right now.
Quick facts on nuchal cord injuries
- Nuchal cords occur in 10% to 30% of pregnancies, with most causing no harm.
- They remain present in about 20% of deliveries, especially in full-term births.
- Nuchal cords may be single (one loop) or multiple (two or more loops) around the baby’s neck.
- Tight nuchal cords can compress the umbilical cord, leading to birth asphyxia or reduced oxygen to the brain.
- Babies with nuchal cords may be at a higher risk of CP if the condition is not recognized and managed promptly.
- In severe cases, a nuchal cord injury can result in permanent brain damage.
- Nuchal cord injuries are linked to lower Apgar scores, a quick test of a newborn’s overall health.
- They are associated with a higher risk of emergency cesarean sections (C-sections).
- Type A nuchal cords have a loose or slipknot pattern. Type B cords have a locked pattern and are less likely to resolve on their own.
How do nuchal cord injuries happen?
A nuchal cord injury happens when the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around a baby’s neck and causes complications during pregnancy or delivery.
While many nuchal cords are harmless, some can reduce blood or oxygen flow if the cord is too tight or not managed properly.
- Cord compression: Pressure on the cord can limit oxygen and nutrients from reaching the baby.
- Delayed delivery: Prolonged time in the birth canal can worsen the effects of a tight nuchal cord.
- Failure to monitor: Missed signs of fetal distress, such as abnormal heart rate patterns, can delay critical intervention.
- Lack of emergency C-section: Delayed surgical delivery when needed may allow oxygen deprivation to continue.
Prompt diagnosis and response are key to preventing serious injury from a nuchal cord.
What causes nuchal cord complications?
In some cases, a nuchal cord injury can arise for reasons that are not fully understood. However, certain factors may increase the likelihood of a cord-related complication.
- Fetal movement: Active movement before or during labor can cause the cord to loop around the neck.
- Length of the cord: Longer umbilical cords are more likely to become entangled or form loops.
- Poor cord structure: A thin or poorly formed cord may be more prone to compression or knotting.
Doctors and nurses are responsible for recognizing signs of fetal distress and taking immediate action to prevent harm. When they do not, it could be considered medical negligence.
If you believe your child’s nuchal cord injury could have been avoided, you may qualify for financial aid to cover their care.
Get a free case review right now to see if you could be eligible.
Risk factors for nuchal cord birth injuries
While nuchal cords can happen in any pregnancy, some conditions are more likely to result in a tight cord or delayed delivery, both of which can raise the chances of injury.
- Advanced gestational age (over 40 weeks)
- Carrying multiples, such as twins or triplets
- Large amount of amniotic fluid, giving the baby more room to move
- Older maternal age, typically over 35
- Previous history of cord complications
- Prolonged vaginal delivery, which may allow more time for cord compression
Not all risk factors lead to harm, but when they’re present, doctors must monitor them closely and intervene if needed.
If you have questions about your baby’s nuchal cord injury, we have a team of registered nurses who are here to help.
Connect with a labor and delivery nurse right now — for free.
Signs and symptoms of a nuchal cord injury
In many cases, a nuchal cord is identified and managed during delivery with no lasting harm. However, when the cord is tight or not properly addressed, it can restrict oxygen and lead to serious nuchal cord injuries.
Some signs of a possible nuchal cord injury may appear immediately after birth, while others develop over time.
- Bruising or discoloration around the neck
- Low Apgar score, especially at 1 and 5 minutes
- Poor muscle tone or weak reflexes
- Trouble breathing or requiring resuscitation at birth
These symptoms may be early indicators of conditions like cerebral palsy, especially if the baby experienced reduced oxygen during delivery.
Birth injuries linked to a nuchal cord
In serious cases, a tight or multiple-loop nuchal cord can restrict blood or oxygen flow. If doctors fail to act quickly, this can lead to permanent birth injuries.
Prompt recognition and intervention are critical. When medical professionals delay care or overlook signs of distress, the baby may suffer life-altering complications.
Learn more about nuchal cord birth injuries below.
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is a type of brain injury that occurs when a baby’s brain doesn't receive enough oxygen (hypoxia) or blood flow (ischemia) during or shortly before birth. Nuchal cords that are tight or compressed can contribute to this condition if not managed properly.
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy can range from mild to severe. In serious cases, it may lead to long-term challenges. Some infants with HIE may also go on to develop cerebral palsy or seizure disorders.
Cerebral palsy
CP can develop when a tight or compressed nuchal cord causes birth asphyxia, leading to lasting damage in the areas of the brain that control movement.
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong neurological condition that affects muscle control, posture, and coordination.
The most common type of CP linked to nuchal cord injuries is spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which affects all four limbs and often includes severe motor and intellectual impairments.
Many children require assistive devices, multiple types of therapy, and lifelong medical care.
Seizures and developmental delays
When a nuchal cord causes oxygen deprivation during birth, it can increase the risk of seizures and developmental delays as the child grows.
These effects may not be apparent right away and often emerge in the first months or years of life.
- Cognitive delays, such as trouble with memory, problem-solving, or learning
- Motor delays, including challenges with crawling, walking, or coordination
- Social and emotional delays, like difficulty interacting with others or managing emotions
- Speech and language delays, including trouble speaking, understanding, or forming words
Seizures and developmental issues can require long-term medical care, therapy, and educational support.
Nuchal cord diagnosis
Doctors may detect cord problems on an ultrasound during pregnancy, but they usually cannot determine whether it will cause a birth injury. Most nuchal cords do not lead to harm and often resolve on their own before or during delivery.
If a baby shows signs of possible oxygen deprivation after birth, doctors may use several tools to assess whether a nuchal cord injury occurred.
- Cranial ultrasound to detect bleeding or swelling in the brain
- Developmental evaluations to assess motor, cognitive, and social milestones
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for signs of brain damage
- Neurological exams to check reflexes, tone, and overall function
These tools help diagnose conditions like HIE or CP, which may result from untreated complications during delivery.
Treatment options for nuchal cord injuries
Treatment for a nuchal cord injury will depend on the type and severity. Some children may recover with early intervention, while others may need long-term care and support.
- Assistive devices and equipment, like wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids, or communication tools
- Medications to manage seizures, reduce muscle stiffness, or control drooling
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies to support development and independence
Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan can help improve outcomes and quality of life for children affected by these injuries.
Get legal help for nuchal cord birth injuries
When a nuchal cord injury is caused by medical negligence, you may be left facing lifelong challenges that you never saw coming. A birth injury lawsuit can help you seek the justice and financial support your family deserves.
Compensation from a nuchal cord injury lawsuit can cover the cost of hospital care, therapy, medical devices, home modifications, and long-term support.
Cerebral Palsy Guide partners with top birth injury lawyers who can help families in all 50 states. So far, they’ve recovered over $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries.
Call our team at (855) 220-1101 right now or get a free case review to find out your legal options.
