If the umbilical cord enters the birth canal before the baby, this can jeopardise the delivery.
Dr Trisha Macnair last medically reviewed this article in June 2008
Prolapsed umbilical cord
On this page
Page options
What is a prolapsed umbilical cord?
A prolapsed umbilical cord means that a baby's umbilical cord slips out through the opening cervix and down into the birth canal during labour, before the baby has left the womb.
This is an emergency situation because the umbilical cord contains arteries that take blood from the placenta to the baby, carrying oxygen and nutrients.
As the cord slips out through the birth canal, there's a risk the baby's head or body will follow it, compressing the umbilical cord and cutting off the blood supply to the baby.
Even if the baby stays in the womb, it's risky because the baby's head is usually pressed down against the cervix, compressing the umbilical cord as it leaves the womb.
Causes and risk factors
A few situations are known to be associated with an increased risk of umbilical cord prolapse.
These include twin deliveries, some breech deliveries and when the baby's shoulder is the part of its body moving first into the birth canal.
These are more likely to cause a cord prolapse because the baby's head isn't moving down into the pelvis or 'engaging' in the normal way. Instead of blocking the exit of the womb, there's space for the cord to fall down.
Treatment and recovery
A caesarean section has to be done immediately to deliver the baby. Occasionally, it's possible to deliver the baby through the vagina using forceps or as a breech delivery if the obstetrician is very experienced.
If the baby can be delivered before the blood supply is damaged, there may be no long-term consequences.
Disclaimer
All content within BBC Health is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the BBC Health website. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. See our Links Policy for more information. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.
Around the BBC
Elsewhere on the web
bbc.co.uk navigation
BBC links
BBC © 2012 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
~RS~p~RS~(none)~RS~a~RS~(none)~RS~u~RS~/health/physical_health/conditions/prolapsedumbilicalcord.shtml~RS~r~RS~(none)~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~55~RS~){kind=small}