What it means
An organ drops out of place because its supports have weakened or stretched. Examples are uterine prolapse (the uterus sagging into the vagina), rectal prolapse, mitral valve prolapse, and, in labor, umbilical cord prolapse, when the cord slips down ahead of the baby.
For the nurse
A prolapsed umbilical cord is an emergency: call for help, lift the baby's presenting part off the cord with a gloved hand, place the client in knee-chest or deep Trendelenburg position and prepare for emergency birth.
At a glance
| Spanish | prolapso |
|---|---|
| Also written | prolapsed, prolapses |
Related terms
rectum
The last part of the large intestine, between the colon and the anus, where stool is held until it leaves the body.
umbilical cord
The cord that connects the unborn baby to the placenta, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the baby and wastes away.