A thin umbilical cord is commonly associated with which condition?

A thin umbilical cord is commonly associated with oligohydramnios, which is a condition characterized by a decreased level of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. Amniotic fluid plays a crucial role in the development of the fetus, providing protection, allowing for movement, and aiding in lung development. When there is insufficient fluid, the fetus may not have the opportunity to grow robustly, which can potentially lead to the development of a thinner umbilical cord.

In contrast, polyhydramnios, which involves an excess of amniotic fluid, is often related to conditions that may cause excess fluid production, such as fetal anomalies. Macrosomia refers to a larger-than-average baby and does not have a direct correlation with umbilical cord thickness. Placenta previa, a condition where the placenta is abnormally low in the uterus, does not typically influence the thickness of the umbilical cord directly. Therefore, the association of a thin umbilical cord with oligohydramnios highlights the importance of monitoring amniotic fluid levels for fetal health.