Umbilical cord issues refer to problems that can arise with the umbilical cord, which connects a developing fetus to the placenta. These issues can include conditions like cord knots, where the cord becomes twisted, or cord prolapse, where the cord slips into the birth canal before the baby. Such complications can affect blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Another common issue is vasa previa, where blood vessels from the umbilical cord cross the cervix, posing a risk of rupture during labor. Monitoring these conditions during pregnancy is essential to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.