Ultrasound Assessment of the Umbilical Cord

ABSTRACT As a nonreassuring fetal status and intrauterine fetal death are often caused by umbilical cord abnormalities, obtaining an ultrasound diagnosis of umbilical cord abnormalities is required for a safe delivery. We believe that the prenatal detection of umbilical cord abnormalities and appropriate management of the delivery improves perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. In the present review, the protocol for ultrasound diagnosis and management of umbilical cord abnormalities, including abnormalities of cord insertion, hypercoiled cord, nuchal cord and fore-lying umbilical cord, is discussed considering current knowledge regarding the physiological and pathological aspects of these umbilical cord abnormalities. How to cite this article Hasegawa J. Ultrasound Assessment of the Umbilical Cord. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(4):382-390.