Rajeswary Pillay1
USS report at 34 weeks of gestation may mention presence of nuchal cord. This may cause anxiety and apprehension in the patient. After a detailed counseling, the scan is repeated at 39 weeks to identify those with persistent nuchal cord. These cases are clinically examined and those with deflexed mobile, unengaged head at term were given option of elective CS. All those who went into labor were closely monitored to detect any features of fetal distress. The mode of delivery and intrapartum and neonatal events were analyzed. It was found that up to 50% of nuchal cords were absent in later USS or at delivery. There was high incidence of fetal distress in those with persistent nuchal cord. An unengaged head at term usually indicated nuchal cord and need close monitoring.
