Overview and anesthetic management of fetal vessel anomalies and umbilical cord emergencies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review article discusses the most common umbilical cord vessel anomalies and umbilical cord emergencies, as well as their implications on anesthetic management. RECENT FINDINGS: Umbilical cord anomalies and emergencies pose significant risks to both the fetus and the mother. Fetal complications can include fetal heart tone issues, hypoxia, preterm delivery, unexpected neonatal ICU admissions, exsanguination, and fetal demise. Maternal complications can include emergency cesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage. Recognition of these anomalies and their potential complications is essential to the proper management of these patients. SUMMARY: Anesthesia providers must be familiar with and available for patients with various umbilical cord pathologies to provide safe and effective care for the best maternal and neonatal outcomes if umbilical cord emergencies arise. Coordinated efforts should be in place for multidisciplinary emergency response systems.