Hi Archie,

One of my friend has completed 30weeks on Jan 19th and seems to be all unusual problem throughout her pregnancy. First till 5month she has bad nosia, vomiting issue then after month she caught with Preeclampsia and now Umbilicalcord issue.

Just to put thing in order 3-4 weeks back when she has gone for regular checkup found protien in urine and BP shot up to 130 along with swelling in leg and face. She advised to take rest but sicne she is alone with husband at home, could not take complete bed rest and doing little housework without making herself tired.

4-5 days back when she didn't found movement in last 48hrs, went to she Doctor and she advised her to get scan done. In the scan it came that Umbilicalcord is passing through baby neck which is causing problem. After seeing the scan report Doctor was not having much to offer and suggested to take rest and keep strict look to movement and report if any unusual findings.

I read in book that Knots and Tangles in the cord can be dangerous for baby as supply of oxygen and rest thing can be restricted.

What all she should do to keep baby safe and growing. Should she take strict bed rest? Any specific liquid/diet she should take? Please suggest. Good part is my friend is not much worry as not reading anything related with pregnancy problem so she is not scared and her BP is also came to normal now 110.

I will wait for your advice.

Thanks for being with us in such critical time.

regards,
Sudha Archie replied. Dear Sudha,
nausea is not uncommon and supposed to be healthy for pregnant women so don't think that was bad thing.

I am a little suprised that she experienced Pre-eclampsia in 5th month, not supposed to be and to my surprise it is treated. I don't think she had pre-eclampsia per se. She may have had heavy fluid retention. Pre-eclampsia is usally happens in third trimester and not recoverable rather it enters in eclampsia and could take life of both mother and baby. But I think you people should not interpret as to what your friend faced was pre-eclampsia it was just a heavy fluid retension that's apparent to me as her BP was not really high, 130 BP is not high BP, so don't think that was bad either. In pre-eclampsia her BP will keep rising and can go as high as 170 or more, only solution for this condition is delivery and no treatment at least to my knowledge, so please do not think she had this worse condition because the fact is she did not have this.

not feeling baby movement and cord wrapping is linked to each other. It's not her rather the baby movements what causes cord wrapping around neck. It may be that she has some stress, make sure she drinks 8-10 glasses of water and keep relaxed always. Fetal distress is one reason that can result in cord wrapped around neck. Ask her to keep watch on baby movements and if she does not feel she should call her Dr. immediately.

Her being relaxed and resting will help a little bit. Also be good with fluids. No salts and reduce carbohydrates to keep out of fluid retention anyfurther.

Archie