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Chapter 16 - Cord prolapse

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 October 2026

Katherine Lattey
Affiliation:
PROMPT Maternity Foundation
Chloë de Souza
Affiliation:
PROMPT Maternity Foundation
Cathy Winter
Affiliation:
PROMPT Maternity Foundation
Siân Harrington
Affiliation:
PROMPT Maternity Foundation
Neil Muchatuta
Affiliation:
PROMPT Maternity Foundation
Sharan Athwal
Affiliation:
PROMPT Maternity Foundation
Tim Draycott
Affiliation:
PROMPT Maternity Foundation
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Summary

Cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord prolapses outside of the woman’s cervix. This is another time critical emergency required prompt recognition and management. This chapter covers considerations both in and out of hospital as cord prolapse is often unpredictable. Key learning points: Cord prolapse is a time critical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Once recognised, call for help and transfer to the labour ward of a consultant-led obstetric unit. Immediate management requires minimal handling of the cord, maternal positioning and/or manual elevation of the presenting part and/or bladder filling. When transferring from a community setting, avoid using the service transfer/carrying chair to move the woman to an ambulance. When making decisions to expedite birth consider the clinical circumstances, environment, and urgency. Effective communication with the woman, their birth partner and the multi-professional team is vital.

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