Every parent dreams of a smooth pregnancy. Unfortunately, complications can happen during the course of any pregnancy in Illinois, and the results can be tragic. Modern medicine provides solutions for many of these concerns, however, especially when caught early. This makes staying informed critical for Chicago parents.
Our medical malpractice lawyer in Chicago shares that one complication that expecting parents need to be aware of is marginal cord insertion (MCI).
The Basics: The Placenta and Umbilical Cord
To quickly review some pregnancy basics, the placenta is a temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. This organ provides oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby, while the umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta.
What Does Marginal Cord Insertion Mean?
In a typical normal pregnancy, the umbilical cord connects right in the middle of the placenta, allowing optimal blood flow between the mother and baby, thereby providing the best access to nutrients and oxygen.
However, with marginal cord insertion, the cord attaches to the edge of the placenta. This placement can sometimes lead to complications, as the cord may not function as efficiently.
The Causes of Marginal Cord Insertion: Why Does It Happen?
The exact cause of marginal cord insertion isn’t always clear. It’s not something a mother does or doesn’t do. Sometimes, it simply happens.
Some factors, however, may increase the likelihood of MCI, such as:
- Multiple pregnancies, such as carrying twins
- Substance use during pregnancy
- Previous cesarean delivery
- Maternal health conditions like hypertension or diabetes
- Use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) before pregnancy
- An older maternal age, especially 35 and over
- First-time pregnancies
Having one or more of these factors does not automatically mean someone will have MCI.
The Potential Risks and Complications of MCI
Most pregnancies with MCI are normal and healthy. However, in some cases, it can lead to complications, such as:
- Increased chance of insufficient oxygen and nutrients for the baby
- Higher risk of umbilical cord compression
- Increased chance of placental abruption
- Higher likelihood of premature delivery
In the case of insufficient oxygen and nutrients, the result can be intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Studies also show that marginal cord insertion can increase the chances of:
- Low birth weight and Apgar score due to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- Preterm birth
- Cesarean delivery
- Decelerated fetal heart rate during labor
- The newborn requiring neonatal intensive care
Overall, MCI increases the chances of birth injuries.
How Do Doctors Find the Condition?
A challenging part about marginal cord insertion is that you can’t feel it. There are no symptoms. The only way to detect it is through an ultrasound.
This is why regular prenatal checkups are so crucial. A good obstetrician will be looking for this and other potential issues during routine scans.
What Happens If Doctors Discover MCI?
If your doctor discovers marginal cord insertion, remember that most babies with this condition develop normally. Your pregnancy may simply be considered higher risk.
In practice, this can mean:
- More frequent prenatal visits
- Extra ultrasounds to check the baby’s growth
- Closer monitoring as the due date approaches
In some cases, your doctor might recommend delivering the baby a bit early. But that’s a decision they’ll make based on how you and the baby are doing.
Prevention and Treatment Options For Marginal Cord Insertion
There is no known way to prevent marginal cord insertion. As for treatment, since the cord’s position cannot be adjusted once it’s attached, the focus is typically on managing the pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcome.
Arming Yourself With Knowledge During a Pregnancy
Although marginal cord insertion might sound scary, knowledge is power. Understanding what it is and how it’s managed can help expectant parents feel more in control during their pregnancy. Always talk to a healthcare provider about any concerns.
Detecting marginal cord insertion is relatively simple today, and it can be managed effectively as long as you keep up with regular prenatal check-ups. If you feel that your healthcare provider is not monitoring your baby’s progress effectively, speaking with an experienced birth injury attorney can be worth your time.
Contact the Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 726-1616
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 726-1616
