will this happen again?

[em1998]

I had my daughter around a year ago, its her first birthday next month and have been thinking about baby number 2, however when she was born the cord was wrapped around her neck a couple of times, my mother in law said it also happened to her and my boyfriend, obviously this can be quite dangerous and im terrified if i have another baby this will happen again?

I had this with DD1 but with the two subsequent births it was not an issue.

There is no genetic component to it, so the fact it happened to your first baby doesn't mean it's more likely to happen again. (Except if the cord was unusually long but that signifies other health concerns so would have been raised with you by your doctor).

Cord position around the neck is entirely random, and based on how the baby has been bouncing itself around in the uterus. It's not dangerous before labour starts. However it can be a cause for concern during the second stage of labour, once the baby begins to be pushed out, as the cord can be squeezed during contractions and the blood flow can be restricted. monitoring the baby's heartbeat can indicate whether there is a problem and if there is, you might be advised to get assistance (eg forceps or vacuum) to deliver the baby faster. But this is something that will only be known once it happens, it's hard to predict in advance. And if you'd prefer to consider a c-section, this eliminates the risks of vaginal birth as far as cords around the neck are concerned (but carries some other risks).

Having said all that, cords around the neck are not uncommon and a late number of these do not cause problems. Those that do cause problems can often be addressed by speeding up delivery (instrumental delivery or c-section). But unfortunately in a small number of cases, cords around the neck can cause serious problems with blood supply to the baby. But it's virtually impossible to predict which babies might have problems and which eill be just fine.

If you do have concerns, perhaps it's worth seeking a de-brief appointment for your last birth to have it fully explained to you. And to discuss all your concerns and options with a doctor or midwife for your next baby.

Best wishes.

This is called a ‘nucal cord’ and it’s pretty common, think around 30% of births? DS1 had a x2 nucal cord (wrapped twice around the neck) - didnt know during labour but was having continuous monitoring anyway.

It’s rarely a problem (nct factsheet here www.nct.org.uk/sites/default/files/related_documents/Reed%20A%20nuchal%20cord%20pp11-12.pdf ) but if you’re worried do discuss it with your midwife, or consider a birth reflections session if your maternity unit offer them?

Meant to say - just had DS2 and he didn’t have it.

My first didn't have any cord problems but my second had the cord wrapped around her neck three times, they told me it was just random chance