Prolapsed Umbilical Cord

What is a prolapsed cord?

A baby’s umbilical cord is called a prolapsed cord when it falls into the birth canal ahead of the baby's head or other parts of the baby's body. Another name for this problem is cord prolapse.

A prolapsed cord is a serious emergency. It can hurt the baby. If the cord gets squeezed between the baby and the wall of the uterus or vagina, the baby may stop getting blood and oxygen. The lack of oxygen can cause brain damage or death if the problem is not taken care of within minutes.

How does it occur?

A cord prolapse does not happen often. It may happen when:

• There is too much amniotic fluid in the bag of waters.
• The second baby of twins is being born.
• The baby is lying sideways in the uterus, not head or bottom down.
• The baby is in breech position (head up in the uterus).
• The bag of waters breaks before the baby moves down into the pelvis.
• A baby is born early (prematurely).

What are the signs of a prolapsed cord?

The problem may be found when the fetal heart monitor, which is usually attached to your belly, shows that the baby's heart rate is slower or abnormal.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will feel in the vagina for the umbilical cord.

What is the treatment?

You will be asked to get into a position that takes pressure off the cord, either on your hands and knees or with your hips raised. Your healthcare provider may hold up the part of the baby that is coming out first. This takes pressure off the cord. Your provider will keep a hand in your vagina to hold up the baby until the baby is delivered the fastest way possible.

If the baby is positioned head down and low in the birth canal and your cervix is fully dilated, your provider may try to get the baby out quickly with forceps or vacuum extraction. If the baby is breech, a vaginal delivery may be possible if you are fully dilated, the baby's bottom is about to be delivered, and you have delivered a baby before.

You will be given oxygen to help the baby get more oxygen.

You may need to have an emergency C-section.

How long will the effects last?

If the problem with the prolapsed cord can be solved right away, there may be no permanent injury. The longer the delay, the greater the chance of brain damage or death for the baby if the cord is squeezed and the baby does not get enough oxygen.

How can I take care of myself?

You should try to remain calm and follow your healthcare provider's directions.

If you are concerned about this or other possible problems with delivery, discuss your concerns and questions with your provider before you go into labor. This will help you deal with a problem delivery in the safest and calmest way possible.