QuestionMy friend just went through two days of labor and had her son this am at 11. When he was born the cord was around his neck and they cut it. They then lay him on her chest and while they were taking care of her in an unexpected situation, the nurse realized he was blue and not breathing. He has yet to stay pink, mostly grey and the doctors have now taken him out twice and are not really telling them anything. He's just not acting right, not really crying, will not breast feed and just doesn't seem very alert. How long did he need to be with the cord around the neck to cause damage and further more, what do you think could be going on. I realize you are not here, but there aren't any questions being answered. Please respond quickly! Thank you sincerely, a very concerned best friend.
AnswerDear Michelle,
Well hopefully your friend has gotten some answers by now. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that everyone reads closely enough to know that this site is not an immediate answer site. All of the experts on the site are encouraged to answer questions within three days time. Personally, I try to answer all of my own questions within 48 hours. I see yours was posted approximately 24 hours ago. I'm sorry if that was not made more clear to you before posting the question.
The umbilical cord is wrapped around the fetus's neck in about 1/4 of deliveries. Normally, the baby is not harmed. If the baby was breathing/crying and pink once delivered, which I assume he was if they placed him on her belly without any other intervention, the nuchal cord probably did not play a significant role in the breathing difficulties.
My bigger concern would be the amount of time that went by between the time he actually stopped breathing and when it was noted and he was resuscitated. I would assume it would have been less than a minute unless he was placed on her belly after the one minute APGAR score and before the 5 minute score. But - not knowing those details, it is impossible for me to speculate and give any kind of knowledgeable answer.
Again, I am hopeful that they have obtained some thorough and clear answers by now. If not, my suggestion is that they simply demand them. This is their child and they have every right to know what his condition is, why it is what it is, what treatment is being done to remedy it, and what the prognosis is. If they do not get acceptable answers, if it were me, I would call in a specialist or transfer him to a facility where there is more high-tech neonatal care.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you, and your friend and new baby, well.
Brenda
