Introduction: The umbilical cord is the lifeline of the fetus. The umbilical cord plays an essential role in intrauterine life and is the pathway between mother, placenta and fetus during pregnancy and delivery. There are many umbilical cord abnormalities ranging from false knots, which have no clinical significance, to vasa previa, which could cause fetal demise. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate patterns of umbilical cord abnormalities. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in ACPMMC Dhule. 100 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy who delivered after 28 weeks of gestation and who were diagnosed and documented as having umbilical cord abnormalities either antenatally or
during and after delivery were included. Various patterns of umbilical cord abnormalities were noted and neonatal outcome was assessed based on APGAR score, NICU admissions, live birth or still birth.
Result: Of all cord abnormalities identified, Nuchal cord was the commonest i.e. 67%. The other abnormalities identified were abnormal cord length 12%, coiling abnormality 9%, single umbilical artery 4%, cord knot 5%. Less commonly seen abnormalities were Cord prolapse 1% and velamentous insertion of cord 1%. Of the total study patients 64% delivered by Vaginal delivery whereas 36% underwent cesarean
section elective or emergency. Of all fetuses delivered 70% had live birth without any complication and did not require any NICU admission. 22% required NICU admission. 3% had early neonatal death, 2% late neonatal death whereas 3% was still birth. Conclusion: Evaluation of umbilical cord abnormalities ensures prevention of adverse neonatal outcome. Education of health personnel about proper examination of umbilical cord should be emphasized.

Keywords: Umbilical cord; Abnormalities; Nuchal cord; Vasa Previa.