women s health issues
Umbilical Cord Prolapse
Overt prolapse
Overt prolapse means that the prolapsed umbilical cord can be seen by the doctor. In overt prolapse, the membranes have ruptured, and the umbilical cord protrudes into or out of the vagina before the baby emerges. Overt prolapse usually occurs when a baby emerges feet or buttocks first ( Breech presentation ). But it can occur when the baby emerges head first, particularly if the membranes rupture prematurely or the fetus has not moved down into the woman’s pelvis. If the fetus has not moved down, the rush of fluid as the membranes rupture can carry the cord out ahead of the fetus. If the cord prolapses, Cesarean Delivery must be done immediately to prevent the blood supply to the fetus from being cut off. Until surgery begins, a nurse, midwife, or doctor holds the fetus’s body off the cord so that the blood supply through the prolapsed cord is not cut off. 