As exciting as pregnancy news is for parents, it comes with many ups and downs. You may have searched for all possible things that could happen during pregnancy and when you go into labor. One such rare yet serious medical issue in late pregnancy is umbilical cord prolapse. 

How Common is Cord Prolapse?

It’s not common. Umbilical cord prolapse occurs in less than 1% of pregnancies, or 1 in 300 babies. Though rare, it’s considered a medical emergency, as without an umbilical cord, your baby will be deprived of oxygen. This can lead to brain damage. Usually, an emergency c-section delivery is scheduled to deliver the baby safely.

When is Umbilical Cord Prolapse Likely to Happen

It’s less likely when your baby is engaged, i.e., they have covered the entire pelvis, leaving no space for the cord to slip through the cervix and into your birth canal. Here’s what increases the risk of umbilical cord prolapse:

  • Your baby is in transverse or bottom-first position 
  • You go into labor before 37 weeks 
  • You are carrying multiples (twins, triplets, or more)
  • There’s an excess amount of amniotic fluid
  • Your baby is small and weighs less than normal

Other risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse include placenta previa, congenital disorders in the baby, too-thin or too-long cord, and macrosomia (a larger baby). 

What are the Signs of a Cord Prolapse?

If your cord has prolapsed, you might feel it in your vagina. Or, the routine physical exam can help detect a prolapsed cord. Your healthcare team will also monitor your baby’s heartbeat frequently. If it drops below 120 beats per minute, it could be a sign of a prolapsed umbilical cord.

Can It Be Prevented?

Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent umbilical cord prolapse. However, if you have a high-risk pregnancy or risk factors, such as too much amniotic fluid, multiples, or a breech baby, see a top gynecologist in Thane West for regular checkups. 

You may need to get admitted to the hospital in the last weeks of pregnancy. In some cases, the gynecologist may schedule a C-section birth before you go into labor.

What are the Complications?

As mentioned earlier, cord prolapse is an emergency that needs immediate diagnosis and attention to prevent harm to the fetus. Lack of oxygen for a prolonged period can cause your baby to go into distress. It also raises the risk of stillbirth. Vaginal delivery is almost never recommended for such cases, especially if you are not fully dilated. The longer the baby remains in the uterus without oxygen, the higher the risk of harm.

When to See the Doctor?

Umbilical cord prolapse cannot always be diagnosed without an ultrasound or vaginal exam. However, many women may notice the cord coming out of the vagina before delivery. It’s a tell-tale sign that the cord has dropped and your baby needs to be delivered immediately. A change in fetal movements, the breaking of water, or other unusual signs requires prompt medical attention.