Nuchal Cord Entanglement and its Fetomaternal Outcome

Intrauterine life, sustained only by two small arteries and a tortuous vein coursing through a long flexible cord, hangs by a very delicate thread. Much like a hangmans noose, the nuchal cord is often blamed for problems that are encountered during delivery and is often cited as a major cause of fetal distress and perinatal mortality. However, the actual significance that a nuchal cord has on the outcome of an infant is controversial.