Fetal blood loss from ruptured cord

**Definition:** The umbilical cord can rupture during labour and delivery and lead to fetal blood loss. Possible reasons include: traction on an abnormally short cord, a cord that is entangled around the fetus, a thin friable cord, or a cord with vascular abnormalities. Fetal blood loss can also occur following accidental cord puncture during amniocentesis or following in utero cordocentesis or transfusion.