With a normal cord insertion, the umbilical cord connects to the center of the placenta. The center is the most secure place of attachment. Normal attachment supports the seamless flow of nutrients from the mother to the placenta and the fetus.

Marginal umbilical cord insertion (MCI), also known as battledore placenta, affects the health of newborn babies and can cause them a lot of pain. During delivery, if the umbilical cord is inserted too far into the baby’s abdomen, it can cause severe birth injury.

The condition poses a significant risk to the baby and might result in bruising, tearing of the walls of the intestines, or even an intestinal fistula. Even though these complications are rare, your baby may need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to receive additional nurturing until they are healthy enough to be moved to the nursery.