TITLE:
Factors Associated with Nuchal Cord on Singleton Delivery at GESHRTH in Yaoundé: A Case Control Study
AUTHORS:
Serge Robert Nyada, Pascale Mpono Emenguele, Vanina Ngono Akam, Anny Ngassam, Junie Metogo Ntsama, Jeannette Ngoué Epée, Sandrine Mendibi, Etienne Belinga, Claude Noa Ndoua
KEYWORDS:
Nuchal Cord, Singleton Delivery, Factors, Yaoundé
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.5,
May
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Nuchal cord is a common finding during delivery. This study aims to evaluate the frequency, predictors and outcomes of nuchal cord in a reference hospital in Yaoundé. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective case—control study in the Gynecological Endoscopic Surgery and Human Reproduction Teaching Hospital of Yaoundé between March 2022 and March 2024. The target population was singleton delivery with a longitudinal lie above 37 weeks of gestation. Results: Out of 342 deliveries, there was nuchal cord found in 55, thus the frequency was 16.1%. Factors associated with nuchal cord were: non reassuring fetal tones during labor (4.68 [2.1 - 8], p = 0.007) and the need for neonatal resuscitation after delivery (3.8 [2.1 - 6], p = 0.03). In addition, an APGAR score at the first minute of 8.1 ± 0.4 was found to be associated with the presence of nuchal cord. Variables like: mean gestational age, mean duration of labor, mean fetal weight and mean length of the umbilical cord were higher in the nuchal cord group, therefore no difference was found with the control group. Conclusion: The frequency of nuchal cord was 16.1%. Factors associated with nuchal cord included: non reassuring fetal tones during labor, an APGAR score at first minute of 8.1 and the need for neonatal resuscitation after delivery.