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Review
. 2013 Mar;40(1):1-14.
doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2012.11.002.

Umbilical cord prolapse

Bradley D Holbrook  1 , Sharon T Phelan
Affiliations
Review

Umbilical cord prolapse

Bradley D Holbrook et al. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2013 Mar.

Abstract

Umbilical cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency that can have negative outcomes for the fetus. It is diagnosed by a palpable or visible cord and is often accompanied by severe, rapid fetal heart rate decelerations. Cases of cord prolapse should be delivered as soon as possible, usually by cesarean section. While awaiting delivery, the fetal presenting part should be elevated off the cord either manually or by filling the bladder. Although an untreated case of umbilical cord prolapse can lead to severe fetal morbidity and mortality, prompt and appropriate management leads to good overall outcomes.

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