A NEWBORN baby was found having two umbilical cord knots with the umbilical stalk wrapped around his neck at Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in Futian District on Sunday, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported.

“Umbilical cord knots are very rare, let alone the baby’s two knots and two loops of the umbilical stalk around the neck,” said Li Shi, director of the hospital’s maternity department.

The umbilical cord knot is rare but very dangerous. In serious situations, a baby might die in the womb before birth if blood circulation is blocked by the knot, said Li.

Luckily, the knots were loose so the baby is safe.

The baby’s mother, surnamed Zhang, went to the hospital early Sunday morning after noticing signs she would soon go into labor.

This is Zhang’s second baby.

With help from the medical staff, Zhang successfully delivered the baby boy at 11 a.m. Sunday.

It is reported that Zhang’s umbilical cord was 115 centimeters long.

Related materials suggested that an umbilical cord knot is a rare but dangerous complication that occurs in less than 2 percent of pregnancies.

Umbilical cord knots can cause asphyxia during the birthing process which can lead to brain damage, even possibly resulting in death.

Long umbilical cords, a small fetus, excessive amniotic fluid and frequent fetal movements might cause the umbilical cord knots and wrap the umbilical stalk around the fetus’ neck.

In order to prevent umbilical cord knots, pregnant mothers can pay attention to fetal movement and visit the hospital regularly for prenatal checks and tests, according to the report.

(Wang Jingli)