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Umbilical cord prolapse — DRCOG MCQ

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HardLabourUmbilical cord prolapseDRCOG

At 39 weeks after rupture of membranes, a woman feels something in the vagina. A pulsatile cord is visible and the fetal heart is bradycardic. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: D — Call for help, relieve compression and expedite birth

Cord prolapse with fetal bradycardia is an obstetric emergency. Call for help, elevate the presenting part to reduce compression, position the woman appropriately and expedite birth; avoid handling the cord unnecessarily.

Reference: RCOG Green-top 50: Umbilical cord prolapse: https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/umbilical-cord-prolapse-green-top-guideline-no-50/