Nuchal cord is a common finding in which the umbilical cord is wrapped around the fetal neck. On prenatal ultrasound, a nuchal cord appears as an echogenic circular structure around the fetal neck, best seen in the transverse plane through the fetal neck. The nuchal cord index, a measurement of the thickness of cord around the neck, has been investigated as a possible marker for pregnancy complications, though the clinical significance remains debated. Most nuchal cords are benign findings that resolve spontaneously as the fetus moves before delivery. However, a nuchal cord is an important finding to document because it may be relevant to the delivering obstetrician and could affect intrapartum management if significantly tight.
Sonography Term