Correlates of human umbilical cord length

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatology
• Fetal Development

Background:

• The umbilical cord is crucial for fetal development, providing oxygen and nutrients.
• Variations in umbilical cord length can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Understanding factors influencing cord length is important for perinatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the typical umbilical cord length in Nigerian infants.
• To investigate correlations between umbilical cord length and fetal/placental weight.
• To explore associations with other maternal and fetal variables.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted on 602 Nigerian infants delivered at term.
• Umbilical cord length, fetal weight, and placental weight were measured.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify correlations.

Main Results:

• The mean, median, and modal umbilical cord lengths were 57.48 cm, 57.71 cm, and 68.00 cm, respectively (range: 20-100 cm).
• Significant positive correlations were observed between cord length and fetal weight (r = 0.2177, p < 0.001).
• Significant positive correlations were also found between cord length and placental weight (r = 0.2504, p < 0.001).
• No significant correlations were found with other studied fetal and maternal variables.

Conclusions:

• Umbilical cord length in this cohort is influenced by fetal and placental weight.
• Further research is required to elucidate the factors governing umbilical vessel growth and cord length determination.