Sonographic measurements of the umbilical cord and vessels during normal pregnancies.

Abstract

Sonographic measurements of the umbilical cord and vessels were performed in 368 uncomplicated pregnancies, and nomograms of their growth were constructed. All measurements were obtained in appropriate for gestational age fetuses in pregnancies with accurate dating. From the above measurements, an estimate of Wharton's jelly quantity (expressed as square millimeters) was calculated. The nomograms presented add another biometric measurement of normally growing fetuses and may serve to differentiate between them and those who are found to have umbilical cord abnormalities.

Sudden intrauterine death associated with furcate insertion of the umbilical cord

“…Although some of the insertion anomalies described can be detected by ultrasound [3,15], it would seem that it is not usually possible to diagnose furcate insertion prenatally. When fetal death occurs completely without warning at the end of a regularly monitored and uneventful pregnancy, the obstetrician is likely to be asked by the patient whether it would not have been possible to avoid this lethal outcome.…”

Sonographic findings of the umbilical cord: implications for the risk of fetal chromosomal anomalies

“…Because the umbilical cord is a three-dimensional, free-floating organ, the introduction of three-dimensional ultrasound may give us a better resolution of the cord's anatomy. Nomograms of the normal fetal umbilical cord and vessels have been established 45 and, in conjunction with Doppler studies 35 , may allow us to differentiate the normal from the abnormal umbilical cord.…”

The development, structure and blood flow within the umbilical cord with particular reference to the venous system

“…The decline in cord diameter towards term is attributed to a reduction in the water content of Wharton's jelly 16 which is a mucous connective tissue surrounding the umbilical vessels 10 …”