The umbilical cord drops through the open cervix ahead of the baby and can become trapped against the baby's body during delivery is called

• A. Umbilical knot
• B. Cord compression
• C. Umbilical cord entrapment
• D. Prolapsed cord

Answer: (D)

Prolapsed umbilical cord happens when the cord slips down through an opened cervix and presents before the baby. As the baby moves down the birth canal, the cord can be pressed against the baby’s body, leading to cord compression. This compression can cut off blood flow and oxygen to the fetus, making it an obstetric emergency. The description of the cord dropping through the cervix ahead of the baby matches this condition exactly, which is why it’s the best answer.

Think of the other terms: an umbilical knot is a knot that can form in the cord itself; cord compression describes the effect you worry about but not the cause; cord entrapment refers to the cord getting stuck, often after the presenting part is down and the cord is caught between the fetus and maternal tissues. Prolapsed cord specifically describes the scenario where the cord descends ahead of the presenting part through the cervix. In practice, management is to relieve pressure on the cord immediately by elevating and supporting the presenting part, position the mother to reduce cord compression (often knee-chest or Trendelenburg), call for help, and prepare for rapid delivery.