OMPHALORRHEXIS Meaning and
Definition
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Omphalorrhexis is a medical term used to describe the condition of umbilical cord rupture or the process of the umbilical cord breaking or tearing. The term is derived from the Greek words "omphalo," meaning navel or umbilicus, and "rhexis," meaning rupture or tearing.
In medical practice, the umbilical cord is a vital connection between the developing fetus and the placenta. It carries essential nutrients, oxygen, and blood from the mother to the growing baby. However, in rare cases, omphalorrhexis occurs when the umbilical cord undergoes a rupture.
Omphalorrhexis can happen during pregnancy or childbirth for various reasons. It may be a result of excessive tension on the cord, causing it to snap or tear. This tension can be caused by factors such as a nuchal cord (when the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the baby's neck), external trauma, or a weakened cord structure.
When omphalorrhexis occurs during pregnancy, it can lead to complications such as reduced blood flow or compromised oxygen supply to the fetus. In some cases, it may result in stillbirth or neonatal death. If it happens during labor or delivery, it can lead to immediate concerns regarding the baby's health and necessitate quick medical intervention.
Prompt recognition and management of omphalorrhexis are crucial to minimize potential harm to both the baby and the mother. Medical professionals, particularly obstetricians and neonatologists, must be vigilant in monitoring the umbilical cord during pregnancy and delivery to identify any signs of omphalorrhexis quickly.
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Rupture of the umbilical cord during childbirth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OMPHALORRHEXIS
Etymology of OMPHALORRHEXIS
The word "omphalorrhexis" derives from two Greek roots: "omphalos" (ὀμφαλός) meaning "navel" or "belly button", and "rhexis" (ῥῆξις) meaning "rupture" or "tear".
