After the water has broken, what should NOT be done to prevent umbilical cord prolapse?

To prevent umbilical cord prolapse after the rupture of membranes, it is critical to avoid elevating the fetal head from the pelvis. When the membranes rupture, the fetal head is a primary source of pressure in the pelvis, which helps to keep the umbilical cord positioned properly. Elevating the fetal head can lead to a situation where the cord slips past the presenting part of the fetus, which increases the risk of cord prolapse. This could lead to potential complications due to cord compression, including fetal distress.

In contrast, performing an amniotomy, inducing labor, or monitoring the fetal heart rate are standard practices in labor management and do not inherently increase the risk of cord prolapse. In fact, continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate is essential for assessing fetal well-being during labor, especially after membrane rupture. While induction may have its own considerations, it does not directly influence the positioning of the umbilical cord in relation to the fetal head. Therefore, the recommendation to avoid elevating the fetal head is grounded in the need to maintain pressure against the cervix and minimize the risk of cord prolapse.