Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
umbilical cord prolapse
An obstetric emergency where the umbilical cord drops through the cervix ahead of the presenting fetal part.
Full Definition
Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord passes through the cervix alongside or ahead of the presenting part of the fetus. This creates a obstetric emergency because the cord can become compressed between the fetus and the maternal pelvis, potentially cutting off blood supply to the baby. Risk factors include premature rupture of membranes, breech presentation, and polyhydramnios. Immediate delivery, usually by emergency cesarean section, is required to prevent fetal hypoxia and death.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'cord presentation' where cord is felt but membranes are intact.
In Context
- "Emergency cesarean delivery was performed for umbilical cord prolapse at full dilation." — Operative delivery report
- "Continuous fetal monitoring showed bradycardia suggestive of umbilical cord prolapse." — Labor monitoring notes
Also known as
cord prolapse
Don't confuse with
nuchal cord
cord entanglement