What it means
After the membranes rupture, the cord can drop into the vagina or even out of the body, or lie beside the presenting part where it cannot be seen. The fetus then presses on the cord, cutting off its own blood and oxygen supply. Risk is higher when the presenting part is high or not well fitted to the pelvis, as with breech or transverse lie, preterm birth or a lot of amniotic fluid.
For the nurse
Call for help and keep a gloved hand in the vagina lifting the presenting part off the cord. Place the client in knee-chest or Trendelenburg position, give oxygen as ordered and prepare for an emergency birth. If the cord is outside the body, cover it with sterile gauze soaked in warm saline; never push it back in.
At a glance
| Also written | prolapsed cord, cord prolapse, prolapsed umbilical cord |
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Related terms
PROM
An abbreviation with two common meanings: prelabor (premature) rupture of membranes, or passive range of motion.
presenting part
The part of the fetus that lies closest to the cervix and enters the birth canal first.
late deceleration
A gradual drop in the fetal heart rate that starts and hits its lowest point after the peak of a contraction.