What is a prolapsed umbilical cord?
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Dr. Deborah Raines of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:An umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord drops or prolapses through the cervix and into the vagina before the fetus. The risk factors for an umbilical cord prolapse include:
- Premature rupture of the amniotic membrane
- Excessive amniotic fluid volume
- Abnormal fetal presentation
- A long umbilical cord,
- Prematurity, or
- An unengaged presenting part.
When the umbilical cord prolapses, there is compression of the cord and the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus is interrupted leading to a slowed fetal heart rate or fetal distress.
An umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord drops or prolapses through the cervix and into the vagina before the fetus. The risk factors for an umbilical cord prolapse include: Premature rupture of the amniotic membrane Excessive... More
