Signs and Symptoms

<p><a href="https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-notes/maternal-and-child-nursing-notes/cord-prolapse/">A prolapsed umbilical cord is a rare but life-threatening obstetric emergency that occurs when the umbilical cord is abnormally positioned between the fetal presenting part and the cervix</a>.<a href="https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-notes/maternal-and-child-nursing-notes/cord-prolapse/">This can result in decreased blood and oxygen supply to the fetus, causing fetal hypoxia</a></p> <ul> <li><strong>Emergency cesarean delivery is the definitive treatment for a prolapsed umbilical cord.</strong>It&#39;s crucial to expedite delivery to prevent fetal hypoxia and potential death.</li> <li><strong>Any delay in delivery can have catastrophic consequences for the fetus.</strong></li> <li><strong>Calling for assistance immediately activates the necessary personnel and resources for a swift cesarean delivery.</strong></li> <li><strong>Prompt preparation ensures the operating room, anesthesia team, and surgical team are ready to proceed without delay.</strong></li> </ul>

Multiple gestation, or having more than one baby in the uterus, can cause unstable lie, or frequent changes in the position of the baby. This can increase the risk of cord prolapse if the membranes rupture when the baby is not in a cephalic (head-down) position.