Perinatal hemorrhage from ulceration of the umbilical cord: A potentially catastrophic association with duodenal and jejunal obstruction

Umbilical cord ulceration with hemorrhage into amniotic fluid is a rare but life-threatening complication strongly associated with duodenal or jejunal obstruction. This retrospective analysis of 38 cases shows 64% mortality rate, with typical presentation including preterm labor, fetal distress, and bloody amniotic fluid at mean 33 weeks gestation.