What is the emergency procedure for treating umbilical cord prolapse?

In the case of umbilical cord prolapse, the priority is to resolve the situation as quickly as possible to prevent fetal distress, which may occur due to compromised blood flow and oxygen delivery through the cord. The correct approach in an emergency situation is to stabilize the fetal situation through immediate intervention, which can often necessitate the use of assisted vaginal delivery techniques or, if necessary, a stat (immediate) cesarean section.

Assisted vaginal delivery may be attempted if the presenting part of the fetus is low enough and certain conditions allow for a safe delivery. However, if there are concerns regarding the fetal heart rate or if the vaginal delivery cannot be expedited safely, an emergency cesarean section would be the appropriate course of action. This dual approach ensures rapid delivery while taking into account the health and safety of both the fetus and the mother.

Other options, such as elective cesarean delivery or induction of labor, would not be appropriate in this urgent context because they do not address the immediate need to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord. Inducing labor could prolong the situation, while an elective cesarean is not feasible in an emergency context where quick action is necessary. Thus, the preferred approach combines the potential for assisted vaginal delivery