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What is a prolapsed umbilical cord?
A prolapsed umbilical cord means that a baby's umbilical cord slips out through the opening cervix and down into the birth canal during labour, before the baby has left the womb.
This is an emergency situation because the umbilical cord contains arteries that take blood from the placenta to the baby, carrying oxygen and nutrients.
As the cord slips out through the birth canal, there's a risk the baby's head or body will follow it, compressing the umbilical cord and cutting off the blood supply to the baby.
Even if the baby stays in the womb, it's risky because the baby's head is usually pressed down against the cervix, compressing the umbilical cord as it leaves the womb.
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Causes and risk factors
A few situations are known to be associated with an increased risk of umbilical cord prolapse.
These include twin deliveries, some breech deliveries and when the baby's shoulder is the part of its body moving first into the birth canal.
These are more likely to cause a cord prolapse because the baby's head isn't moving down into the pelvis or 'engaging' in the normal way. Instead of blocking the exit of the womb, there's space for the cord to fall down.
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Treatment and recovery
A caesarean section has to be done immediately to deliver the baby. Occasionally, it's possible to deliver the baby through the vagina using forceps or as a breech delivery if the obstetrician is very experienced.
If the baby can be delivered before the blood supply is damaged, there may be no long-term consequences.
A prolapsed umbilical cord means that a baby's umbilical cord slips out through the opening cervix and down into the birth canal during labour, before the baby has left the womb.
This is an emergency situation because the umbilical cord contains arteries that take blood from the placenta to the baby, carrying oxygen and nutrients.
As the cord slips out through the birth canal, there's a risk the baby's head or body will follow it, compressing the umbilical cord and cutting off the blood supply to the baby.
Even if the baby stays in the womb, it's risky because the baby's head is usually pressed down against the cervix, compressing the umbilical cord as it leaves the womb.
Top
Causes and risk factors
A few situations are known to be associated with an increased risk of umbilical cord prolapse.
These include twin deliveries, some breech deliveries and when the baby's shoulder is the part of its body moving first into the birth canal.
These are more likely to cause a cord prolapse because the baby's head isn't moving down into the pelvis or 'engaging' in the normal way. Instead of blocking the exit of the womb, there's space for the cord to fall down.
Top
Treatment and recovery
A caesarean section has to be done immediately to deliver the baby. Occasionally, it's possible to deliver the baby through the vagina using forceps or as a breech delivery if the obstetrician is very experienced.
If the baby can be delivered before the blood supply is damaged, there may be no long-term consequences.