umbilical cord prolapse
Emergency condition where the umbilical cord precedes the fetal presenting part through the cervix.
Full Definition
Umbilical cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency occurring in approximately 1-6 per 1,000 births, where the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of the presenting fetal part, potentially causing cord compression and fetal hypoxia. Risk factors include malpresentation (particularly transverse lie or breech), polyhydramnios, prematurity, multiple gestation, and artificial rupture of membranes. The condition may be overt (cord visible or palpable beyond the introitus) or occult (cord compressed but not visible). Immediate management includes relieving cord compression through positioning, avoiding handling of the cord, and emergency delivery, typically by cesarean section unless vaginal delivery is imminent.
Usage
Usage note: Not hyphenated as compound noun; 'prolapse' is both noun and verb form.
In Context
- "Emergency cesarean delivery was performed for umbilical cord prolapse with variable fetal heart rate decelerations." — Operative report
- "The patient was placed in knee-chest position to relieve pressure on the prolapsed umbilical cord until surgical delivery." — Emergency department note