Correlation of umbilical cord macroscopic structure with the foetal outcome in singleton pregnancies

Background: An altered structure of the umbilical cord can be associated with maternal and foetal complications like pre-eclampsia, diabetes, foetal growth retardation and demise.Objectives: To study the morphology of umbilical cord in normal, preterm and low birth weight babies.Materials and methods: This was a study of 308 placentae and umbilical cord specimens collected from the labour room of Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital over a period of one year.Of all the singleton deliveries considered, 232 were full term normal babies, 68 were of low birth weight and 08 were preterm babies.The type of insertion of the cord, amniotic web, knots and oedema, if any, and the number of umbilical vessels were examined.Samples from all three groups were subjected to macroscopic examination.Results: The umbilical cord thickness and the type and site of insertion of the cord showed wide variations.A significant number of cases showed amniotic webs, knots and nuchal cord.A sole case of single umbilical artery was also observed.Conclusions: Examination of umbilical cord would throw light into prenatal condition of the newborns, and at least in some cases provide information valuable for the future pregnancies.