Propalse Cord

Prolapse cord is displacement of umbilical cord between the presenting part and the amnion or protruding through the cervix. It causes compression of the cord and compromise fetal circulation.

Signs and Symptoms:
  • Umbilical cord is visible or palpable
  • Mother has feeling that something is coming through the vagina
  • Fetal heart rate is irregular and slow
  • Variable deceleration or bradycardia after rupture of the membranes
  • Violent fetal activity may occur and then cease if fetal hypoxia is severe



Nursing Interventions:
  • Relieve umbilical cord immediately
  • Reposition mother: turn her side to side or elevate her hips to shift the fetal presenting part toward her diaphragm
  • Apply finger pressure with a sterile glove hand to elevate fetal presenting part that is lying on the cord
  • Do not attempt to push the cord into the uterus
  • Assess fetus for hypoxia
  • Prepare for emergency cesarean birth
  • Administer oxygen by face mask to the mother as prescribed

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