Twins born with both umbilical cords tied
Twin girls have both umbilical cords tied, surprising doctors in Ho Chi Minh City.
Two healthy baby girls were born at My Duc Hospital on March 4 by cesarean section at the 37th week. These are twins from in vitro fertilization, two placentas, two amniotic sacs.
Caesarean section doctor Ho Cao Cuong said that the case of fetus with umbilical cord knot is quite rare, estimated at about 1% of births, or about 1 in 100 pregnant women. The cause of umbilical cord knot is currently unknown, noted some factors causing this condition are monoamniotic twins, long umbilical cord, multiple pregnancies, multiple births, elderly pregnant women...
"In this case, the two babies are in two amniotic sacs and two umbilical cords, so the probability that both of them have such a knotted condition is extremely rare," Dr. Cuong analyzed.
|
The twin's umbilical cords are knotted.Photo provided by doctor. |
The umbilical cord connects the placenta to the fetus and is a very important fetal appendage that carries nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the baby during pregnancy. A knotted umbilical cord increases the risk of stillbirth by 4 times compared to pregnant women without a knotted umbilical cord.
Diagnosis of fetal umbilical cord knots is still a challenge for doctors. Ultrasound is still the means of diagnosis but the detection rate is very low. If detected, it is usually due to luck. In the world, there is no better diagnostic means to help not miss the accident.
"This case is really lucky for the surgical team, the pregnant woman's family and both babies because the umbilical cord knot has not caused any consequences for the fetus," said Dr. Cuong.
In some cases, the fetus suddenly loses its heartbeat and dies in the womb. Only after the pregnancy is terminated is the cause of the umbilical cord knot known.
Doctors recommend that pregnant women need to have regular check-ups and monitor the health of the fetus at home by counting fetal movements according to the doctor's instructions. If the umbilical cord is detected during pregnancy, the pregnant woman will be closely monitored and proactively perform a cesarean section at the appropriate time according to obstetric indications.
