When you’re in labor, the umbilical cord is your baby’s lifeline, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients. In most births, the baby moves down the birth canal first, followed by the cord. But in rare cases—about 1 in 300 births—the umbilical cord can slip into the birth canal ahead of or alongside the baby. This is called umbilical cord prolapse.
When the cord prolapses, it can become compressed between the baby’s body and the birth canal, reducing or even cutting off blood flow and oxygen to the baby. This is why cord prolapse is considered an emergency and requires immediate action from the medical team.
Why Cord Prolapse Is So Serious
The umbilical cord carries oxygen-rich blood to your baby, so any compression restricts this flow, putting the baby at risk. Reduced oxygen can cause fetal distress within minutes, which is why rapid intervention is crucial. Prolonged compression can harm the baby’s brain and other organs if left unaddressed.
What Increases the Risk?
While umbilical cord prolapse can happen unexpectedly, certain factors can increase the risk:
- Premature Rupture of Membranes: When your water breaks before the baby’s head is fully engaged, the cord may slip down with the fluid.
- Preterm Birth: Smaller babies leave more room for the cord to move into the birth canal.
- Breech or Unusual Positions: If the baby isn’t head-down, such as in a breech position, the cord has a greater chance of prolapsing.
- Multiple Pregnancies: With twins or more, there are additional cords, which increases the likelihood of one slipping through.
How Cord Prolapse Is Managed
If cord prolapse occurs, the medical team’s priority is to relieve the pressure on the cord and quickly deliver the baby to restore the oxygen supply. Here’s what the team might do:
- Changing Maternal Position: The mother may be asked to lie on her hands and knees or in a position that relieves pressure on the cord.
- Holding the Baby’s Position: In some cases, a provider may manually lift the baby slightly to relieve cord compression until delivery.
- Emergency C-Section: An emergency C-section is often the quickest, safest way to deliver the baby and reestablish a steady oxygen supply.
The Takeaway
Umbilical cord prolapse is a rare but serious emergency that requires immediate attention due to the risk of restricted oxygen flow to the baby. Thankfully, with rapid intervention, most mothers and babies do well. If you’re ever concerned about complications during labor, your healthcare team is there to support you and help ensure a safe delivery for you and your little one.