Marginal cord insertion among singleton births at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord may insert abnormally i.e. marginal insertion to a placenta which can cause different birth and perinatal complications. Despite the increased effort taken by different responsible bodies, the prevalence of birth and perinatal complications are still high, possibly due to anomalous cord insertion. So far, anomalous cord insertion lacks proper attention in different medical settings. Hence, the present study aims to assess the magnitude, risk factors, and adverse birth outcomes of marginal cord insertion among singleton births. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire and it was entered into epi-data version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 20 for data cleansing and analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to identify risk factors and adverse outcomes associated with marginal cord insertions. Crude and adjusted odds ratio (P-value < 0.05) with a 95% confidence interval were calculated. RESULT: The magnitude of marginal cord insertion was 6.4% (95% CI = 4.4–8.8%) in singleton pregnancies. Independent risk factors for marginal cord insertion were advanced maternal age (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.35–11.08), primiparity (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.37–8.69), maternal chronic hypertension (AOR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.66–9.76), previous cesarean delivery (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.43–10.21), and use of intrauterine contraceptive device before pregnancy (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.36–12.30). Pregnancies complicated by marginal cord insertion are at higher risk to develop low birth weight (AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.23–6.80), preterm birth (AOR = 4.00, 95% CI: 1.44–11.14), and emergency cesarean delivery (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.03–13.81). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Marginal cord insertion is a mistreated potential risk for low birth weight, preterm birth, and emergency cesarean delivery. Routine screening of marginal cord insertion should be considered in pregnancies with advanced age, nulliparity, hypertensive disorder, history of cesarean section, and intrauterine contraceptive device usage before pregnancy.