Abnormal Cord Blood Measurement C4732848
An abnormal finding in blood taken from the umbilical cord after birth. It may indicate health issues in the newborn and often requires monitoring.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- R69
- ICD-11
- MA00.0
- Body system
- other
- Severity
- mild
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Respiratory distress
Difficulty breathing characterized by rapid, shallow breaths or grunting sounds during breathing.
Seek immediate medical attention if the baby has blue lips, persistent grunting, or retractions between ribs.
Cyanosis
Bluish discoloration of the skin, lips, and nail beds due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.
This is a medical emergency. Call emergency services immediately if cyanosis is present.
Seizures
Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain causing jerky movements, staring spells, or body stiffening.
This is a medical emergency. Call emergency services immediately if a seizure is suspected.
Apnea
Temporary cessation of breathing lasting more than 20 seconds, often accompanied by a drop in heart rate.
Seek immediate medical attention for any episode of stopped breathing, even if the baby resumes breathing on their own.
Lethargy
(constitutional)Decreased level of alertness and unusual tiredness where the infant is difficult to wake and appears listless.
Frequency: 65-80% of patients
Poor feeding
(gastrointestinal)Difficulty with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, including weak sucking or inability to finish feeds.
Frequency: 50-70% of patients
Hypotonia
(neurologic)Abnormally low muscle tone causing the infant to feel floppy when held or positioned.
Frequency: 35-50% of patients
Tachycardia
(cardiovascular)Abnormally fast heart rate above normal limits for the infant's age, often a compensatory response to stress.
Frequency: 45-60% of patients
Jaundice
(dermatologic)Yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Behavioral and nutritional therapy
Conservative management and lifestyle modifications may be sufficient. Monitor symptoms.
Neonatal metabolic screening
Comprehensive newborn metabolic panel following abnormal cord blood findings to assess overall health status.
Confirmatory blood testing
Follow-up venipuncture or heel stick testing in the newborn to confirm or rule out conditions indicated by cord blood.
Additional treatment options
Developmental milestone tracking
Long-term pediatric follow-up to monitor growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes when cord blood abnormalities are detected.
monitoringMaternal nutritional counseling
For breastfeeding mothers, nutritional guidance to optimize milk composition when cord blood abnormalities relate to micronutrient levels.
dietaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Cord Blood Measurement C4732848?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. 116: Management of Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Tracings. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2010;116(5):1232-1240.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 348: Umbilical Cord Blood Gas and Acid-Base Analysis. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006;108(5):1319-1322.
Malone FD, D'Alton ME. Management of umbilical cord abnormalities. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2004;47(4):928-939.
Frey HA, Klebanoff MA. The epidemiology, etiology, and costs of perinatal brain injury. Seminars in Perinatology. 2016;40(5):317-328.
Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 25th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2018.
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Green-top Guideline No. 55: Umbilical Cord Prolapse. London: RCOG; 2014.
Bergman NJ, Westrup B, Wells M, et al. Cord blood metabolism and acid-base status in relation to newborn thermal care. Acta Paediatrica. 2014;103(7):707-713.
Jansen CH, Westerhuis ME, Scheepers HC, et al. Umbilical cord blood gas analysis in clinical practice: A review. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 2018;231:100-107.
American Academy of Pediatrics and American Heart Association. Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation. 8th ed. Itasca, IL: AAP; 2021.
World Health Organization. Guidelines on Intrapartum Care for a Positive Childbirth Experience. Geneva: WHO; 2018.
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View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy