New RCOG Guidelines

UMBILICAL CORD PROLAPSE

Cord prolapse has been defined as the descent of the umbilical cord through the cervix alongside (occult) or past the presenting part (overt) in the presence of ruptured membranes.1,2 Cord presentation is the presence of the umbilical cord between the fetal presenting part and the cervix, with or without membrane rupture.

The overall incidence of cord prolapse ranges from 0.1% to 0.6%. In the case of breech presentation, the incidence is slightly higher than 1%.12 It has been reported that male fetuses appear to be predisposed to cord prolapse. The incidence is influenced by population characteristics and is higher where there is a large percentage of multiple gestations.

To view the RCOG Guidelines click here