Cord Prolapse

Question 1

What is cord prolapse?

Answer 1

when an unborn baby’s umbilical cord slips through the cervix and into the vagina after a mother’s water breaks and before the baby descends into the birth canal

Question 2

First step after recognising cord prolapse has occurred?

Answer 2

Gently replace the umbilical cord within the opening of the vagina using a dry pad

Question 3

After replacing the umbilical cord within the opening of the vagina, what should you direct the mother to do next while awaiting an ambulance?

Answer 3

Position the woman in the knee chest position while awaiting the ambulance
(the patient rests on the knees and chest with head is turned to one side, arms extended on the bed, and elbows flexed and resting so that they partially bear the patient’s weight)

Question 4

Once in the ambulance, what are the steps in patient care during cord prolapse?

Answer 4

Position the woman in the lateral position
Elevate the pelvis using a blanket below the right hip
Assess for imminent birth en-route
Administer entonox if required

Question 5

What is cord prolapse considered as?

Answer 5

An obstetric emergency

A pre-alert must be made during conveyance to appropriate destination