Can A Knot In An Umbilical Cord Present At Birth Cause Low Muscle Tone And Developmental Delays?

Posted on Tue, 9 Feb 2021

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 9 Feb 2021 Answered on

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : can a knot in an umbilical cord present at birth cause low muscle tone and developmental delays?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
In most cases they go uncomplicated.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

In the most common causes the knots in umbilical cord can not cause any damage.
There is a probability that the knot becomes tight it may cause oxygen deprivation to baby brain and may cause development delay and in severe cases even death.
If the knot on cord is the reason for the development delay can't be said without seeing the evidences and history of the birth.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)

Could the knot in the umbilical cord lead to low muscle tone. Another words does low muscle tone usually have a neurological cause?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Low muscle tone can be related to low oxygen at birth.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
Low muscle tone also can be related to brain damage because of low oxygen at birth or cerebral palsy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (13 hours later)

My son is 18 months old he was born with a knot in his umbilical cord. The knot was present during delivery. He has low muscle tone and he’s not where he’s supposed to be developmental wise for his age. I was wondering what steps should I take to find out if the knot is responsible for the low muscle tone and his developmental delays. Because he’s on second stage baby food it doesn’t even eat table food without gagging. He also can’t stand on his own or walk or run and he hasn’t been sick any real words just babbling. What should I ask for at the doctors office?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Very difficult to find the cause of the delay.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
It was s very difficult to find the cause of the delay. Firstly he may need a genetic test to check for possible chromosome abnormalities.
You may ask the doctor about the grade of the delay and about the milestone he has at this point.
Also you may ask about cognitive therapy you may do yourself at home.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad