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Umbilical Cord Prolapse :
when the umbilical cord passes through the cervix into the VAG before the baby
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🛑 The umbilical cord connects the baby to the placenta.
🛑 There are usually 2 arteries and one vein in the umbilical cord. Some babies however have just one artery and one vein ( will be discussed later ) .
🛑 The arteries carry waste substances from the baby to the placenta and the vein carries oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the baby.
🛑 These blood vessels are protected by a jelly like substance called Wharton's jelly. ( photo below)
🛑 Sometimes when water breaks during pregnancy, the umbilical cord can slip through the cervix into the VAG before the baby.
🛑 This happens in 1 in every 300 births.
🛑 When this happens, the baby can put pressure on the cord as it passes through the cervix and VAG during labor and delivery.
🛑 Pressure on the cord reduces or stops blood flow from the placenta to the baby, decreasing the baby's oxygen supply.
🛑 This can lead to the death of the baby if its not delivered ASAP.
🛑 Sometimes its possible to reposition the cord to prevent blood supply cut off, other times it's not.
🛑 The longer it takes for this problem to be dealt with, the higher the chances of your baby having problems such as brain damage or even death.
🛑 Delivery is usually by cesarean section. If you refuse a cesarean section, you should know that you will very likely be pushing out a dead baby ,should you deliver vaginally.
🛑 The risk of the umbilical cord passing into your vagina before time increases when :
💥 Your baby is in a breech position
💥 When your baby's umbilical cord is too long
💥 When you have too much water around your baby
💥 When your baby is born preterm
💥 When you deliver twins vaginally. The second twin is usually affected.
💥 When your water is broken in the hospital - your doctor or midwife who breaks your water is supposed to examine you to make sure the umbilical cord is not in your VAG
🛑 Umbilical cord prolapse is an emergency and needs to be dealt with very quickly. Your doctor or midwife will keep their hand in your vagina to keep your baby's cord from being compressed. You might also be put in specific positions to help keep blood flow to your baby.
🛑 If your water breaks and you happen to feel something in your VAG, you should get to the hospital ASAP as this can either be your baby's umbilical cord or any of its body parts. You might save your baby's life by doing so.
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