Assessment of Perinatal Outcome and Mode of Delivery in Patients Diagnosed with Nuchal Cord
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i6.3126Keywords:
Apgar Score, Caesarean Section, Fetal Distress, Nuchal Cord, Pregnancy Outcome, Vaginal Delivery.Abstract
Background: Nuchal cord is a common obstetric condition in which umbilical cord become wrapped around fetal neck. Although many pregnancies remains uncomplicated, nuchal cord may increase risk of fetal distress, operative delivery and poor neonatal outcomes. Objective: To assess the perinatal outcome and mode of delivery in patients diagnosed with nuchal cord. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Duration and Place of Study: This study was conducted from 04 February 2025 to 04 May 2025 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Methodology: A total of 110 pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years with gestational age more than 37 weeks and confirmed diagnosis of nuchal cord on prenatal ultrasound were included. Demographic details, mode of delivery, fetal distress and Apgar score were recorded on structured proforma. Data analysis was carried out by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27. Results: The mean age of patients was 29.33 ± 5.30 years and mean gestational age was 39.00 ± 1.14 weeks. Vaginal delivery was more common and occurred in 69 (62.7%) patients, whilst caesarean section was performed in 41 (37.3%) cases. Fetal distress was observed in 32 (29.1%) patients and low Apgar score were found in 27 (24.5%) neonates. Significant association were observed between body mass index and mode of delivery (p=0.039), hypertension and mode of delivery (p=0.009), and gestational age with low Apgar score (p=0.015). Conclusion: Vaginal delivery remains common in patients with nuchal cord. Increased body mass index and advanced gestational age were associated with adverse perinatal outcome.
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