Your body

Can raising your arms above your head wrap the cord around the baby’s neck?

Checked against the sources listed on this page. Not reviewed by a clinician. Last updated 5 November 2026. How we check.

Myth

No. Your arm movements have no effect on the umbilical cord. Cords around the neck (nuchal cords) are common and happen from the baby’s own movements.

Nuchal cords occur in about 10–29% of babies, and most are not linked to any harm. The risk of problems is mainly with a tight cord.

References

  1. Peesay M. Nuchal cord and its implications. Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology, 2017

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 Partly true

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