During delivery, what is the main concern if the umbilical cord is found around the infant's neck?

When the umbilical cord is wrapped around the infant's neck, a situation known as a nuchal cord, several significant concerns arise that can impact both the infant and the delivery process.

One of the primary concerns is that the infant may be unable to breathe adequately. If the cord is tightly wrapped around the neck, it can restrict airflow when the infant transitions from intrauterine to extrauterine life. This restriction is particularly critical during delivery, as the infant's chest compresses, and the cord may further inhibit sufficient oxygen delivery.

In addition, a nuchal cord can lead to physical injury during delivery. The pressure of the cord around the neck may result in trauma to the infant if not managed properly, especially if the delivery process becomes prolonged or complicated.

Furthermore, when the cord is constricted, it can impact fetal heart rate. The pressure from the cord can lead to variable decelerations, meaning the infant’s heart rate may drop intermittently as the cord restricts blood flow and oxygen supply. This drop in heart rate is a concern and necessitates vigilant monitoring of the fetal condition throughout the delivery.

Thus, recognizing that all these factors are interrelated, focusing solely on one aspect may overlook the broader implications. Therefore