Cord prolapse is a condition occurs when the umbilical cord drops down into the birth canal before the baby is born. This can happen during labor or delivery.
If your baby’s umbilical cord prolapses, don’t panic! This is a serious condition, but it can be treated. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of cord prolapse, how to treat it, and what to expect after treatment.
What is umbilical cord prolapse?
Cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord drops down into the birth canal before the baby is born. This can happen during labor or delivery.
The umbilical cord is the connection between the placenta and the baby. It carries oxygen and nutrients to the baby and removes waste products from the baby’s blood.
What causes an umbilical cord prolapse?
Several factors can cause cord prolapse. They include:
- The baby’s head is too large for the birth canal
- The baby is breech (bottom first)
- The placenta is low in the uterus
- The mother has a small pelvis
- The water breaks before labor starts (pre-labor rupture of membranes)
- There is more than one baby (multiple pregnancy)
- Preterm labor
- Polyhydramnios
What are the symptoms of umbilical cord prolapse?
Symptoms of cord prolapse include:
- The umbilical cord dropping into the birth canal before the baby is born
- The umbilical cord is compressed
- The baby’s heart rate dropping
Call your doctor or midwife immediately if you think your baby has cord prolapse.
How is an umbilical cord prolapse diagnosed?
Your doctor or midwife will diagnose cord prolapse by doing a physical exam. They will look for the umbilical cord in the birth canal. They will also check the baby’s heart rate. If the cord prolapses, the baby’s heart rate will be lower than normal.
How is umbilical cord prolapse treated?
Treatment for cord prolapse depends on how far along you are in labor. If you are far enough along, your doctor may try to deliver the baby vaginally. If you are not far enough along, your doctor may do a cesarean delivery.
Cord prolapse is a serious condition, but it can be treated.
What are the complications of cord prolapse?
If cord prolapse is not treated, it can lead to serious complications for the baby, including:
- Reduced oxygen supply to the brain
- Brain damage
- Cerebral palsy
- Death
After treatment, most babies recover without any complications. However, some may have long-term health problems, such as cerebral palsy or brain damage.
