Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
06:19
A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis
Published on: January 7, 2018
The umbilical coiling index in complicated pregnancy
Monique W M de Laat1, Elise D van Alderen, Arie Franx
1Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center KE.04.123.1, P.O. Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands. mdelaat@dds.nl
Summary
Abnormal umbilical cord coiling, both undercoiling and overcoiling, is linked to adverse perinatal outcomes. This includes fetal death, infections, and developmental issues, highlighting the importance of cord morphology assessment.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Obstetrics
- Fetal Development
Background:
- Umbilical cord coiling is a morphological feature with potential implications for pregnancy outcomes.
- Assessing cord coiling patterns may offer insights into fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between umbilical cord coiling variations and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- To determine if deviations from normal coiling (undercoiling and overcoiling) correlate with specific adverse events.
Main Methods:
- A study of 565 cases requiring placental histological examination.
- The umbilical coiling index (UCI) was calculated by a blinded observer.
- Association between UCI percentiles and pregnancy outcomes was analyzed using odds ratios.
Main Results:
- Undercoiling was associated with fetal death, chorioamnionitis, and fetal abnormalities.
- Overcoiling was linked to fetal death, iatrogenic preterm delivery, low umbilical arterial pH, fetal abnormalities, placental thrombosis, and reduced fetal weight for gestational age.
Conclusions:
- Both umbilical cord undercoiling and overcoiling are significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.
- These findings underscore the clinical relevance of evaluating umbilical cord morphology.
