Understanding
Hypo-Coiled Umbilical Cord

Information for expecting parents at 23 weeks

What is this?

The Umbilical Cord's Shape

Your baby's umbilical cord normally has a spiral or twisted pattern, like a phone cord.

A hypo-coiled cord has fewer twists than usual.

What is this?

Visual Comparison

Typical Cord
(Coiled)

Hypo-Coiled Cord
(Fewer Twists)

This shape forms naturally in early pregnancy.

Why does it matter?

Why Your Team Is Watching

The spiral pattern normally helps protect blood vessels from pressure.

Fewer twists means we'll monitor your baby more closely to ensure healthy growth and blood flow.

Why does it matter?

What We're Watching For

This finding is associated with a higher chance of:

  • Slower baby growth (we check this with ultrasounds)
  • Earlier delivery (many babies still arrive full-term)
  • Closer monitoring during labor

Most babies do well with appropriate monitoring.

What happens next?

Your Monitoring Plan

Your healthcare team will create a protective plan with extra check-ins.

What happens next?

Extra Ultrasounds & Tests

📊 Growth Scans

Ultrasounds every 3-4 weeks to measure baby's size

🔍 Anatomy Check

Detailed scan to check baby's development

💓 Heart Monitoring

Weekly tests starting around 32-34 weeks

👶 Movement Tracking

You'll count kicks in the third trimester

What happens next?

During Labor

Your baby's heart rate will be monitored continuously during labor.

This lets your team respond quickly if the cord experiences any pressure.

Many people deliver safely with careful monitoring.

What can I do?

Your Role as a Partner

  • Attend all scheduled ultrasounds — they track growth patterns over time
  • Track baby's movements daily in the third trimester
  • Report changes in movement patterns to your provider
  • Ask questions at every appointment
What can I do?

Remember

🤝

You and your healthcare team are working together to give your baby the best start.

This finding means careful attention, not certainty of complications.

Key Takeaways

  • A hypo-coiled cord has fewer twists than typical
  • It means closer monitoring, not guaranteed problems
  • Your team will track growth with extra ultrasounds
  • Careful monitoring during labor keeps baby safe
  • Most pregnancies proceed well with this plan
💬

Questions for Your Provider?

Write them down and bring them to your next visit.

Your questions help us care for you better.