How to prevent umbilical cord torsion: a must-read guide for expectant mothers
Umbilical cord torsion is one of the complications that may occur during pregnancy. Although the incidence is not high, once it occurs, it may pose a threat to the health of the fetus. This article will combine the popular maternal and infant topics on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with structured data and suggestions to help you understand and prevent umbilical cord torsion.
1. Basic knowledge of umbilical cord torsion

Umbilical cord torsion refers to the spiral twisting of the umbilical cord along its longitudinal axis. In normal pregnancy, the umbilical cord can twist for 6-11 weeks. But when the torsion is excessive (more than 12 weeks), it may affect the fetal blood supply.
| Degree of umbilical cord torsion | incidence | risk level |
|---|---|---|
| Mild torsion (<6 weeks) | about 35% | low risk |
| Moderate torsion (6-12 weeks) | about 50% | medium risk |
| Severe torsion (>12 weeks) | about 15% | high risk |
2. Summary of recent popular prevention suggestions
Based on maternal and child forums and expert advice in the past 10 days, we have compiled the following preventive measures:
| Precautions | Implementation frequency | effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Resting on left side | multiple times a day | ★★★☆☆ |
| moderate exercise | 30 minutes a day | ★★★★☆ |
| Monitor fetal movement | 3 times a day | ★★★★★ |
| Avoid staying in the same position for long periods of time | hourly change | ★★★☆☆ |
| Control weight gain | Weekly monitoring | ★★☆☆☆ |
3. Detailed analysis of prevention methods
1. Choose the right sleeping position
It is recommended to sleep on the left side during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, which can improve uterine blood circulation. Avoid lying on your back for too long to reduce the risk of umbilical cord compression. According to recent research data:
| Sleeping position | Umbilical cord blood flow resistance index | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Lying on left side | 0.68±0.07 | ★★★★★ |
| Right side decubitus | 0.72±0.08 | ★★★★☆ |
| supine position | 0.81±0.09 | ★★☆☆☆ |
2. Scientifically monitor fetal movement
Abnormal fetal movements are often an early sign of umbilical cord problems. It is recommended to fix 3 time periods every day (such as morning, noon, and night) and count fetal movements for 1 hour each. The standards recommended by experts in the past 10 days are:
| Gestational age | Normal number of fetal movements/hour | warning value |
|---|---|---|
| 28-32 weeks | ≥4 times | <3 times |
| 33-36 weeks | ≥6 times | <4 times |
| 37-40 weeks | ≥8 times | <6 times |
3. Reasonable exercise methods
Moderate exercise can promote blood circulation, but strenuous exercise should be avoided. Popular recent exercise tips include:
| exercise type | Recommended frequency | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy Yoga | 3-4 times/week | Avoid inverted poses |
| take a walk | 30 minutes a day | Choose a flat road |
| water sports | 2-3 times/week | Suitable water temperature |
4. Other matters needing attention
1.Regular prenatal check-ups:Ultrasound examination can detect umbilical cord abnormalities early. Recent data shows that high-frequency ultrasound can detect umbilical cord torsion in more than 85% of cases.
2.Nutritionally balanced:Ensure adequate protein and vitamin intake and maintain amniotic fluid volume within the normal range (AFI 8-18cm).
3.Psychological adjustment:Avoid excessive anxiety; stress hormones may affect uterine blood flow.
5. Emergency handling
Seek medical attention immediately if:
| Symptoms | Possible reasons | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Sudden decrease in fetal movements | Restricted umbilical cord blood flow | ★★★★★ |
| persistent abdominal pain | abnormal uterine contractions | ★★★★☆ |
| vaginal bleeding | placenta problems | ★★★★★ |
Summary:Although umbilical cord torsion cannot be completely prevented, the risk can be significantly reduced through scientific pregnancy management. It is recommended that expectant mothers take comprehensive preventive measures based on their own circumstances and maintain close communication with their doctors.
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