The cord was deeply imbedded in the tissues.
The coilings of the cord are not limited to compression about the extremities alone, but may even decapitate the head by being firmly wrapped several times about the neck.

According to Ballantyne, there is in the treatise De Octimestri Partu, by Hippocrates, a reference to coiling of the umbilical cord round the neck of the fetus.

This coiling was, indeed, regarded as one of the dangers of the eighth month, and even the mode of its production is described.

It is said that if the cord he extended along one side of the uterus, and the fetus lie more to the other side, then when the culbute is performed the funis must necessarily form a loop round the neck or chest of the infant.

If it remain in this position, it is further stated, the mother will suffer later and the fetus will either perish or be born with difficulty.