Obstetric Emergencies (Essay Sample)

Cord Prolapse
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9th September, 2015.Cord Prolapse
Cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency that is life threatening to both the mother and the baby. In this condition, the cord precedes the presenting part of the fetus. However, unlike cord presentation, cord prolapse is characterized by raptured membranes (Holbrook & Phelan, 2013). There are three types of cord prolapse namely; funic cord prolapse, occult cord prolapse, and overt cord prolapse.
A diagnosis of funic cord prolapse is made when the umbilical cord moves along with the presenting part and can be felt surrounding the presenting part of the fetus. Overt cord prolapse is the most recognizable of the three. In this type, the cord is ahead of the fetal presenting part. A diagnosis of overt prolapse is made when either a pulsating cord is felt by the examining finger or when it is seen by the examiner. Occult cord prolapse is diagnosed when there are signs suggestive of cord prolapse like sudden fetal bradycardia in the absence of a palpable or visible cord.
Management of cord prolapse is multidisciplinary in nature. It requires the doctor, the anesthesiologist, and the midwife to work together in order to achieve a better outcome. The definitive management of cord prolapse is expedited delivery. A method that is safe for both the mother and fetus is chosen. Other forms of management include proper positioning of the mother, pushing back the presenting part, administration of oxygen, siting large bore intravenous cannulas, and drawing blood (Lin, 2006). It is also recommended that a health care provider should shout for help when a case of cord prolapse is encountered...