Decreased fetal movements associated with umbilical cord complications

In three of 1,094 cases of cord complications the mothers experienced reduction of fetal movments until cessation. In these three instances the fetal heart beat was audible but changes appeared on the fetal heart rate monitor. The course of loss of fetal movements resembled that seen in cases of placental insufficiency. It is suggested that the reduced fetal movements and the changes in fetal heart rate were due to a diminished blood flow in the cord vessels as a result of gradual cord compression.