What does Umbilical Cord Prolapse mean?

Umbilical cord prolapse is a serious complication that can happen during labor, usually right before or during the birth. In a normal birth, the baby comes out of the cervix first, followed by the umbilical cord. However, in a prolapse, the umbilical cord falls out of place and enters the birth canal (vagina) before the baby. If this happens, the cord can get squeezed between the baby’s body and the mother’s cervix or vaginal wall.

What is the umbilical cord?

The umbilical cord is a flexible, tube-like structure. It acts as a lifeline, carrying vital oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby while the baby is growing in the womb.

What happens when the cord comes out of the body too early?

A prolapsed umbilical cord is a medical emergency. Because the cord is the baby’s source of air, if it gets squeezed or "squashed," the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby stops. During labor, every time the uterus contracts, it puts more pressure on the cord. Additionally, when the cord is exposed to the air outside the body, it can shrink and become thinner, which further interferes with blood flow. If the baby is deprived of oxygen for too long, it can lead to serious, lifelong disabilities.

Are there different kinds of umbilical cord prolapse?

Yes, there are two main ways this can happen:

• Overt Prolapse: This is when the cord slides down into the cervix and vagina ahead of the baby. It is often visible or can be felt during an exam.
• Hidden (Occult) Prolapse: This is when the cord slips down alongside the baby rather than in front of them. In this case, the cord is "hidden" and not immediately visible.

How often does this problem happen?

Umbilical cord prolapse is relatively rare. It occurs in about 1 out of every 300 births. Some recent studies suggest the rate is dropping, possibly occurring in only 1 in 1,000 births.

What are the signs of umbilical cord prolapse?

A doctor may suspect a prolapse if:

• They can see or feel the umbilical cord inside the vagina after the mother’s water breaks.
• The baby’s heart rate drops significantly, slows down, or shows sudden, abnormal changes.

It is important to note that in some cases, there are no obvious physical signs until the doctor performs an examination. Research shows that more than half of these cases happen within the first five minutes after the water breaks, and up to 70% happen within the first hour.

What causes an umbilical cord prolapse to happen?

There is no single cause for a prolapse. Instead, it is usually triggered by a combination of factors. Because it most often happens when the "water breaks," doctors know the sudden flow of amniotic fluid plays a role. Common causes include:

• Breech Presentation: When the baby is positioned feet-first or bottom-first rather than head-first.
• Multiple Pregnancy: When the mother is carrying twins, triplets, or more.
• Polyhydramnios: When there is an unusually high amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby.
• Premature Rupture of Membranes: When the water breaks before the baby is full-term.

Who is most likely to have an umbilical cord prolapse?

While you cannot cause a prolapse, certain conditions increase the risk. These include:

• Birth defects in the fetus.
• Problems with the placenta (such as an early detachment).
• An umbilical cord that is abnormally long or thin.
• The use of tools like a vacuum or forceps during a vaginal birth.
• Low birth weight (babies weighing less than 2.5 kilograms)
• Having already given birth to five or more children.
• Velamentous Insertion: When the cord attaches to the pregnancy membranes instead of the center of the placenta.
• High Fetal Station: When the baby is still high up in the pelvis during labor.
• Macrosomia: When the baby is much larger than average.
• Medical procedures used to start labor, such as a doctor breaking the water manually (amniotomy) or using a balloon to open the cervix.

What complications can arise from this condition?

Because a prolapsed cord is squeezed, the baby loses its oxygen supply. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action. Possible complications include:

• Hypoxia: A lack of oxygen reaching the body's tissues.
• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): Brain dysfunction caused by a lack of oxygen at birth (also known as birth suffocation).
• Permanent brain damage or physical disabilities.
• Stillbirth (the death of the baby).

How do doctors diagnose this?

A doctor will usually identify a prolapse by:

• Feeling or seeing the cord during a physical vaginal examination.
• Monitoring the baby’s heart rate: A heart rate lower than 120 beats per minute (bradycardia) is a major warning sign.
• Noticing sudden changes in the baby’s blood pressure.

How is umbilical cord prolapse treated?

This is an obstetric emergency that requires the baby to be delivered as fast as possible. In most cases, a C-section is the safest and quickest method.

While preparing for surgery, the doctor will try to take pressure off the cord. They may ask the mother to get on her knees and chest (face down) or use their hand to physically lift the baby’s head away from the cord. This helps maintain oxygen flow for a few extra minutes. Speed is the most important factor; if the baby is delivered quickly, long-term harm can often be avoided.

Can a baby survive a cord prolapse?

Yes, most babies survive if the prolapse happens while they are already in the hospital. The death rate in a hospital setting is between 3% and 7%. however, if a prolapse happens outside of the hospital, the risk is much higher, with the chance of the baby dying being nearly 20 times greater because immediate medical intervention is not available.

Can you prevent umbilical cord prolapse?

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent an umbilical cord prolapse. Babies and their cords move constantly during pregnancy, making it impossible to predict. The best prevention is having a medical team ready to act quickly if the situation arises during labor.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Umbilical Cord Prolapse Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Umbilical Cord Prolapse Treatment in Lucknow, India. We have a team of experienced obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and neonatal care specialists available round the clock. We provide rapid diagnosis and immediate intervention, including emergency cesarean delivery when required. Our care focuses on protecting the baby’s oxygen supply, ensuring maternal safety, and achieving the best possible neonatal outcome. Our team works together to deliver fast, coordinated, and compassionate care during this critical obstetric emergency.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Umbilical Cord Prolapse Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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