Case Report: Umbilical Cord Accident; An Obstetric Tragedy Still with us.

Abstract

Summary

Intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) is a tragic event that can have various etiologies, including maternal, fetal, and placental factors. Cord accidents, although not highly frequent, are a substantial cause of IUFD, particularly in the late stages of pregnancy. Cord accidents are a significant but often underreported cause of IUFD in Nigeria. We present a case of Mrs M.O. a 32-year-old booked G2P1 + 0 (not alive) woman with a known history of sickle cell disease (SCD) and a previous Caesarean section scar who experienced IUFD of a 24-week-old fetus due to a cord accident. The SCD status, the history of previous caesarean section and the need for expeditious management, allowed for a decision to proceed with an hysterotomy to deliver the fetus. Although cord accidents are unpredictable, understanding risk factors and employing advanced diagnostic tools can aid in early detection and management in order to prevent intrauterine fetal death.