Ultrasound screening of umbilical cord abnormalities and delivery management

With the improvement of prenatal diagnoses of foetuses, the prevalence of stillbirth due to foetal anomaly after mid-gestation decreased, whereas that of stillbirth associated with umbilical cord factors tended to increase. Prenatal detection of umbilical cord abnormalities and appropriate management during the antenatal period and delivery based on the ultrasound diagnosis will improve the perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. In the present review, the strategy to reduce the incidence of foetal compromise due to umbilical cord problems is discussed considering the current knowledge regarding the physiological and pathological aspects of umbilical cord abnormalities. •The prevalence of stillbirth due to fetal anomaly after mid gestation decreased, whereas stillbirth associated with umbilical cord factors tended to increase.•To reduce further incidence of perinatal morbidity and mortality, prenatal diagnosis due to umbilical cord abnormalities is important.•Prenatal detection of umbilical cord abnormalities and appropriate management during delivery will improve perinatal morbidity and mortality rates.