Case report of nuchal cord associated stillbirth: what to learn from the complaints to the diagnosis?

Abstract

Nuchal cord is the umbilical cord accident least associated with stillbirths. It is a common occurrence; however, the expertise to diagnose multiple and tight loops on ultrasound is minimal, especially in limited-resource settings. We report a 30 year-old gravida 1, who presented at a gestation of 39/40+6/7 with a 2 day history of inability to appreciate foetal movements. An urgent obstetric ultrasound revealed absent foetal cardiac activity, reduced amniotic fluid and normal placenta but the report had no comments on the umbilical cord. She delivered a macerated male infant with a tight cord around the neck thrice. This case report highlights the importance of third trimester sonography screening of umbilical cord abnormalities and the mechanism of intrauterine foetal death associated with umbilical cord accidents.