Cord prolapse

Cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency during pregnancy or labour. It is when the umbilical cord presents itself outside of the uterus while the fetus is still inside. Often the fetus can engage and squash the cord, cutting off oxygen supplies and potentially leading to brain damage or death. The baby must be quickly delivered by caesarean section.

Risk factors

Potential predisposing risk factors include:

• Premature rupture of the amniotic sac
• When the amniotic sac ruptures polyhydramnios (having too much amniotic fluid) the cord may be forced out with the waters