A short umbilical cord has been variably defined. Considering the mean length of the umbilical cord is 50-70 cm 1,2, a short cord in absolute terms is usually taken as one that is under 35-40 cm in length at term 1,2.
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Epidemiology
Associations
Recognized associations include
- chromosomal anomalies
- limb body wall complex
- fetal akinesia sequence(s)
- amniotic deformity adhesion mutilation (ADAM) sequence
- arthrogryposis
- Werdnig-Hoffman syndrome 4
Treatment and prognosis
Complications
- increased likelihood of breech presentation
- placental abruption during fetal descent
- retained placental tissue 3