True Knot in an umbilical cord

True Knot

Is a rare occurrence (.4-1.2%) when the umbilical cord loops around itself in pregnancy, as the baby moves around in the amniotic fluid.

The umbilical cord is incredible. It is what connects the mum and baby and transfers nutrients and blood via the placenta. It hosts two umbilical arteries and one vein, surrounded by a special mucoid connective tissue called ‘Wharton’s Jelly’ that surrounds these vessel to protect it.

In this picture the Whartons Jelly is the white part of the cord and you can see how it surrounds the vessels within.

Without this special ‘jelly’ (connective tissue) those arteries and vein would be more exposed to hypoxic events. As a knot like this would further tighten and occlude the vessels. Where as because this connective tissue is present it helps to protect the vessels and that would reduce the risk of a hypoxic event.

Often a true knot isn’t found till after a birth, and in this case the little bubba inside wasn’t so happy during labour. Bub ended out coming via caesarean, happy and healthy.

…now it is important to note that it may not have been the only cause for this baby to come out via caesarean, but may have been a factor. If that cord was tight and being compressed and not allowing enough oxygen exchange which includes ability to build that oxygen reserve as mum was contracting then these little ones can get a bit tired.

How amazing are our bodies, we are so resilient and have all these incredible in build mechanisms to protect us and our babies.