Overview

Causes

Umbilical cord prolapse will most often happen after a woman's water has broken. The prolapse is caused by the position of the cord.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of umbilical cord prolapse are:

  • A narrow pelvis
  • Artificial rupture of membranes to help labor move along
  • A placenta that is attached low in the uterus
  • Having delivered five or more babies in the past
  • Having a baby that is in the breech position
  • Being pregnant with more than one baby
  • Going into labor before 37 weeks
  • A fetus with a low birth weight
  • Having too much amniotic fluid
  • Birth defects

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

An umbilical prolapse will cause a change in the heart rate of the fetus. The cord may also be seen after water has broken.

Diagnosis

A prolapse is diagnosed if the cord is seen or felt in the birth canal. It may also be checked if the fetus' heart rate is too fast.

Treatments

Treatment

Umbilical cord prolapse is an emergency. It is treated by:

  • Taking pressure off the cord—The doctor may be able to move the fetus away from the cord. The person may also be asked to change body positions to ease pressure from the cord and protect the fetus.
  • Rapid vaginal delivery—If the person is fully dilated, tools may be used to help the delivery.
  • Emergency cesarean section (C-section)—If the baby cannot be quickly or safely delivered vaginally.
Cesarean Delivery
Cesarean Delivery
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Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent umbilical cord prolapse.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.