Umbilical Cord Problems that Lead to Birth Injuries
The umbilical cord is essential to the baby’s health. The cord contains two arteries and a vein that move blood containing oxygen and nutrition to the baby. The cord also removes waste material from the fetus. The umbilical cord is the baby’s lifeline. Sometimes the umbilical cord has only one artery, which causes problems with the baby’s development. Other times the cord may be too short. If the cord is too short, the cord may not have enough give allowing the baby to move and grow. Babies can tear the mother’s placenta when they move around if they are stuck with a short cord. There are many factors that can cause short umbilical cords including:- First-time pregnancies
- Short cords are more common with baby boys
- Babies who are small for their age and not growing as expected
- The mother’s weight
- Mother’s who drink or smoke
- Premature babies
- Multiple births
- Breech babies