Cord Prolapse Flashcards
what is cord prolapse?
when the umbilical cord descends into the birth canal below the presenting part of the foetus
why is cord prolapse dangerous?
the foetus can compress the cord, causing hypoxia
what is the most significant risk factor for cord prolapse?
an abnormal lie at the time of delivery
with a cephalic presentation, the head takes up all the space in the pelvis and this prevents the cord from descending
how will a cord prolapse generally be first detected?
how will the diagnosis be confirmed?
generally it will first be noticed on CTG (signs of foetal distress)
the diagnosis can be confirmed with visualisation of the cord on vaginal/speculum examination
what is the definitive management of cord prolapse?
emergency c-section is the only safe action to take
conservative measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of foetal distress in cord prolapse
position the mother in the left lateral or on all fours
pushing the presenting part of the foetus back into the birth canal
keep the cord warm and wet
2 things that should be avoided with cord prolapse (what mustn’t the clinicians do?)
pushing the cord back inside isn’t recommended
handling the cord should be avoided as this causes vasospasm
medication that can be helpful in the management of cord prolapse
terbutaline (tocolytic) can be given to halt vaginal delivery so that a c-section can be undertaken
