O60-O75: Complications of labour and delivery

O69: Labour and delivery complicated by umbilical cord complications

The group of conditions classified under 'Labour and delivery complicated by umbilical cord complications' refers to various problems with the umbilical cord that occur during childbirth. These issues may arise due to the positioning or pressure on the umbilical cord, which is essential for offering oxygen and nutrients to the baby in the womb. Common umbilical cord complications include prolapse, where the cord slips into the birth canal ahead of the baby, and cord compression, which occurs when the cord becomes pinched during delivery. Other cases may involve entanglement of the cord around the baby or a knot in the cord. These complications can disrupt the supply of oxygen and blood to the baby, lead to distress, and, in severe cases, may risk the baby's life. Immediate medical intervention is often critical to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby.