Spontaneous umbilical cord hematoma

Background: Spontaneous umbilical cord hematoma is rare and might be associated with fetal death. Case: An emergency cesarean section was performed on a woman during the 41th week of gestation due to fetal distress. A stretched umbilical cord with hematoma was evident. The infant had tachypnea without any other physical or neurological damage. We speculate that traction of the cord led to a tear of an umbilical vessel, cord hematoma, compression of cord vessels and fetal compromise. Conclusion: In case of early prenatal diagnosis of spontaneous umbilical hematoma accompanied with signs of fetal distress, labor should be considered.