Marginal cord insertion is one of those lesser-known terms that might make you raise an eyebrow. But understanding it is important, especially if you or a family member is pregnant.
In this post, we’ll break it down and explore the marginal cord insertion risks and complications, as well as how it’s diagnosed and treated. Plus, we’ll even tackle the tricky question: Can you sue for failure to treat marginal cord insertion?
What is Marginal Cord Insertion?
In a normal pregnancy, the umbilical cord attaches to the center of the placenta, like a perfectly placed bullseye. But in the case of marginal cord insertion, the cord attaches off to the side. It’s like missing the target by a hair!
Why does it matter if the cord doesn’t attach exactly in the center? Well, the umbilical cord is the baby’s lifeline, delivering nutrients and oxygen. So its placement matters.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, marginal cords happen in between 2% and 25% of pregnancies. It’s a wide range because single births are on the lower end, and multiples on the higher end.
Who Is Most at Risk for Marginal Cord Insertion?
Marginal cord insertion could happen to anyone. But research suggests that certain factors can make it more likely, including:
- Carrying twins or multiples
- Being over age 35
- Having previous pregnancies with complications
- Having underlying health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
That being said, just because you fall into one of these categories doesn’t mean you’ll definitely experience the condition. It’s just one of those things that sometimes happens for no clear reason. Like when you miss the bullseye, despite the weather being perfect and having practiced for hours.
Marginal Cord Insertion Risks
Many pregnancies with marginal cord insertion go on to be perfectly healthy. But there are some risks to be aware of, such as:
IUGR
Since the umbilical cord isn’t in its usual spot, the placenta might not get all the blood it needs.
This could lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), a condition where the baby doesn’t grow as expected. IUGR can cause low birth weight. A baby born like this could need extra care after delivery.
Preterm Birth
Another potential risk is preterm birth. The abnormal cord placement could cause the baby to arrive earlier than planned. That can sometimes bring its own set of challenges, especially if the baby’s lungs aren’t fully developed.
Placental Abruption
One of the more serious marginal cord insertion risks involves the placenta itself. In some cases, the placenta could separate from the wall of the uterus too early. That’s called placental abruption. It’s very dangerous for both the mother and the baby. There could be a lot of blood loss, so doctors must act fast to deliver the baby and treat the mother.
Marginal Cord Complications
Beyond the risks, serious marginal cord insertion complications can pop up. But these aren’t very common.
One possible complication is a vasa previa, where blood vessels from the umbilical cord cross the cervix. This can cause serious bleeding during delivery if not detected early.
Another potential complication is umbilical cord compression, where the cord gets squeezed because it’s in a more vulnerable position. It can lead to reduced blood flow to the baby, affecting their heart rate and oxygen levels during labor.
While these complications sound scary, know that most cases of marginal cord insertion can be managed and won’t lead to complications. Getting regular check-ups during pregnancy can help make sure your doctor identifies this issue early if you have it.
Diagnosis
Usually, marginal cord insertions show up in the anatomy scan in the second trimester. That’s when the ultrasound technician takes a close look at the placenta and umbilical cord.
If your doctor suspects marginal cord insertion, you might need some additional ultrasounds and tests to ensure everything is going smoothly.
Marginal Cord Insertion Treatment
Back to the target analogy. Once you’ve let that arrow fly, there are no “do-overs”. Likewise, you can’t correct a marginal cord insertion.
That being said, you don’t necessarily need any “treatment” for a marginal cord. What a relief, right? However, it’s still enough to trigger a yellow “proceed with caution” light. Your doctor should schedule more frequent ultrasounds to check on the placenta, umbilical cord, and baby’s size.
If any of the marginal cord insertion risks start becoming reality—like IUGR or placental abruption—your doctor may recommend early delivery or other interventions, such as:
- Steroid injections to help speed up the development of your baby’s lungs.
- Bed rest or limiting your activity
- Hospitalization
Can You Sue?
In some cases, you can sue your doctor if they failed to diagnose or treat marginal cord insertion, and you and/or your baby were injured.
For example, say a doctor never noticed the marginal cord and your baby passed away after placental abruption. You may be able to sue for negligence.
Every case is different. So it’s important to talk to a legal expert if you believe there was a failure to properly treat your marginal cord insertion. Call us to schedule a free consultation.