The presence of the umbilical cord in the fetal membranes in the 6th month of pregnancy carries certain risks. It may cause fetal growth restriction, abnormal fetal heart rate, intrauterine distress, and even death by asphyxia.
Umbilical cord on fetal membranes is a type of abnormal umbilical cord attachment position, where the umbilical cord blood vessels enter the placenta through the amniotic membrane and chorionic villus, which is called umbilical cord sail-like attachment. It is also called sail-like placenta because of its sailboat-like morphology.
In normal fetuses, the umbilical cord is surrounded by a substance called huatong gel, which is rich in water. It effectively protects and supports the blood vessels, slowing down or preventing them from tearing and being compressed.
When the umbilical cord is attached to the umbilical cord in the shape of a sail, the lack of support around the vascular branches of the umbilical cord makes them very susceptible to rupture, especially when they are located below the prenatal presentation, close to or across the endocervical os, which is known as anterior vascularization. When the fetal membranes rupture the vessels are torn or the vessels are compressed, acute fetal blood loss and hypoxia can result.
Sail-like attachment of the umbilical cord has a greater impact on the fetus, and may cause fetal growth restriction, abnormal fetal heart rate, intrauterine distress, and even death by asphyxia. When umbilical cord sail-like attachment is detected during labor and delivery, close monitoring during pregnancy is recommended, and timely consultation is recommended when vaginal bleeding or abnormal fetal movement occurs.