Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYN), anesthesiologists, labor and delivery nurses, and other medical professionals involved in childbirth need to act quickly to respond to any complications that occur and prevent birth injuries. And one of the most dangerous complications is umbilical cord prolapse (UCP).
What is umbilical cord prolapse?
Umbilical cord prolapse means the umbilical cord drops through the cervix ahead of the baby after the water breaks. The most dangerous type of UCP is what’s called an overt cord prolapse, which means the cord drops through the cervix before the baby presents. An occult prolapse occurs when the cord drops through the cervix with the baby, either right in front of or next to the baby’s head as it descends through the birth canal.
Why is umbilical cord prolapse dangerous?
The umbilical cord supplies oxygen-rich blood that the baby’s brain needs before and during childbirth. When the cord prolapses, every time there is a contraction or any other event that puts pressure on the cord, the oxygen and nutrients coming to the baby are reduced. Without immediate intervention, this can lead to permanent brain damage or even death.
Risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse
UCP is a rare complication, occurring in less than one percent of births. However, the risk can increase with:
- Preterm delivery (before 36 weeks)
- Manipulation of the uterus
- Delivery with forceps or vacuum extractors
- A particularly long or thin umbilical cord
- Abnormal position of the baby during birth (such as “sunny side up”)
The role of malpractice in umbilical cord prolapse injuries
Preventing permanent damage from an umbilical cord prolapse requires early detection. OB/GYNs need to carefully monitor the baby’s heart rate throughout labor and delivery; most of the time, cord prolapse will lead to a visible decrease in heart rate. In addition, the doctor can diagnose cord prolapse by conducting a pelvic examination; the prolapsed cord may be visible, or the doctor may find it with their fingers.
A UCP is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. In virtually all circumstances, the proper intervention is an emergency C-section. The baby needs to be delivered as quickly as possible to avoid permanent damage, and a cesarean delivery minimizes the risk of cord compression during delivery.
In addition, doctors need to intervene to relieve the pressure on the cord until delivery is possible. That may mean manually decompressing the cord by elevating the presenting part of the baby and/or repositioning the mother to aid in decompression. Again, every second counts: the standard of care is to immediately intervene to make sure oxygen and nutrients are once again flowing to the baby, but also to proceed carefully to avoid putting additional pressure on the cord.
Consequences of umbilical cord prolapse
If not properly managed, umbilical cord prolapse is extremely dangerous for the baby. Fortunately, advances in medicine have reduced the mortality rate from a high of nearly 50 percent to about 10 percent, according to recent studies. However, prolonged hypoxia (lack of oxygen) can cause permanent brain damage, leading to lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy and neonatal encephalopathy.
If your child was harmed due to an improperly diagnosed or managed umbilical cord prolapse, you deserve answers, and your child deserves the compensation they need for a lifetime of care. The Lancione Law Firm has a strong track record in high-stakes birth injury litigation, including a $5 million recovery for a newborn diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy related to umbilical cord prolapse. Give us a call or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.