Introduction

The umbilical cord plays a critical role in fetal development, facilitating nutrient, oxygen, and waste exchange. Deviations from normal length, particularly a short umbilical cord (less than 35 cm at term), are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including restricted fetal movement, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth. Although typically detected later in pregnancy or postpartum, advancements in ultrasonography enable earlier diagnosis. This report presents a case of a short umbilical cord identified at 12 weeks of gestation through routine prenatal ultrasonography, emphasizing the significance of early detection for clinical decision-making and maternal-fetal outcomes.

Methods

A 29-year-old gravida 2, para 1 woman underwent routine prenatal ultrasonography at 12 weeks of gestation. A high-resolution transabdominal ultrasound and three-dimensional imaging confirmed an umbilical cord measuring 8 cm, significantly shorter than expected. Doppler studies showed normal umbilical artery blood flow. Amniotic fluid volume, fetal movements, and structural development were assessed, revealing no additional anomalies. Following multidisciplinary counseling, the pregnancy was terminated at 12 weeks of gestation. Post-procedure fetopathologic examination verified the findings.

Results

The umbilical cord's short length was confirmed via fetopathologic examination (8 cm), with normal placenta morphology and no fetal structural abnormalities. This early diagnosis allowed for informed counseling and management, prioritizing maternal well-being given the uncertain fetal prognosis. The case underscores the role of advanced imaging in early anomaly detection and the subsequent impact on care planning.

Discussion

Short umbilical cord is a rare anomaly with significant implications for fetal and maternal outcomes. Early detection using advanced ultrasonography, as demonstrated in this case, facilitates timely counseling and management. The decision to terminate the pregnancy was made to mitigate maternal risks and address the uncertain prognosis. This case underscores the importance of a personalized approach to rare prenatal anomalies. Further research is needed to elucidate the etiology, optimize diagnostic protocols, and establish evidence-based guidelines for management.

Conclusion

This case highlights the utility of advanced ultrasonography in detecting rare prenatal anomalies, such as a short umbilical cord, as early as the first trimester. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary counseling enable tailored care, optimizing outcomes for both mother and fetus. Further studies are essential to refine diagnostic and management strategies for this rare condition