12/26/2025
🪢 Knot or Not? Understanding Your Umbilical Cord
Have you ever looked at an umbilical cord and wondered about those little "bumps" or "loops"? When it comes to umbilical cord knots, there is a big difference between a True Knot and a False Knot.
As specialists who handle these incredible organs every day, we wanted to break it down for you!
🔹 The False Knot (Common & Harmless)
Despite the name, a "false knot" isn't actually a knot at all!
What it is: It’s simply a bulge in the cord caused by a loop of a blood vessel or a thick pocket of Wharton’s Jelly (the protective cushion inside the cord).
The Risk: Zero. It doesn’t affect blood flow or baby’s health. Think of it like a "kink" in a garden hose that doesn’t actually stop the water.
Appearance: These often look like small, solid nodules along the cord.
🔸 The True Knot (Rare & Unique)
This is exactly what it sounds like—an actual "shoelace" style knot in the cord.
What it is: It usually forms early in pregnancy (9–12 weeks) when the baby is small and active enough to swim through a loop in the cord.
The Risk: Most true knots stay loose and cause no issues! However, if they tighten during labor or late pregnancy, they can restrict oxygen. Doctors monitor these closely if they're spotted on a 3D ultrasound.
The Stats: They only occur in about 1% of pregnancies.
✨ Why We Love Them
Whether your cord has a false knot or a rare true knot, it tells the story of your baby’s journey! When we create Cord Keepsakes for our clients, these unique formations make for a beautiful, one-of-a-kind memento of the connection you shared.
Did your baby have a knot in their cord? Tell us your birth story in the comments! 👇
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