Page 271 - Critical Maternity & Newborn Health Nursing

Shoulder and compound presentation and transverse lie carry a high

risk of prolapse of the cord, occurring with spontaneous rupture of the

membranes.

-Face and brow presentations are less common causes of cord

prolapse

5-Multiple pregnancy

-Malpresentation, particularly of the second twin, is more common in

multiple pregnancy.

6-Polyhydramnios

The cord is liable to be swept down in a gush of liquor if the

membranes rupture spontaneously.

-Controlled release of liquor during artificial rupture of the
membranes is sometimes performed to try to prevent this.

Cord presentation diagnosis

This is diagnosed on vaginal examination when the cord is felt behind

intact membranes.

-It is, however, rarely detected but may be associated with aberrations

in fetal heart monitoring such as decelerations, which occur if the

cord becomes compressed.

Educational Video about Management of cord prolapse and

presentation: https://youtu.be/7XXK7aQpe6E?t=61

Management

270 Table of Contents