Umbilical cord prolapse is a complication that occurs before or during childbirth, understood as "prolapse" the fall or descent of an organ or organic structure. In this case, which is rare (occurs in less than 1% of births), the umbilical cord falls or prolapse through the cervix in front of the baby once the birth has begun.
When this happens, the cord may get trapped against the baby's body during the descent in childbirth, being compressed. If the cord is pressed, oxygen loss can occur for the fetus, as we can see in the simulation of this video.
The longer the poorly oxygenated fetus is, the greater the likelihood of permanent brain damage. In more severe cases, umbilical cord prolapse can cause fetal death.That is why medical personnel have to act quickly and this case usually ends in caesarean section.
The specialist can detect the prolapse of the umbilical cord by fetal monitoring (if the heartbeat drops significantly), by touch through a pelvic exam and even in sight.
Causes and risk factors for cord prolapse
The most common cause of umbilical cord prolapse is premature rupture of membranes that contain the amniotic fluid.
Premature delivery of the baby.
Multiple birth.
Excess of amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios).
Podiatric delivery: when the baby crosses the birth canal with the feet in front.
An abnormally long umbilical cord.
Placenta falls.
Definitely, umbilical cord prolapse It is one of the complications that can happen in childbirth and, although it is rare, it can be serious, since the health of the fetus is compromised. It happens between 0.1% and 0.6% of all births.
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In Babies and more | Complications in childbirth (I), Complications of the umbilical cord in pregnancy
