Prolapsed cord?

Native+Girl · July 2013

I'm planning to labor at home for as long as possible before going into the hospital, but I'm not going to lie, I'm terrified of a prolapsed cord. I know only like 10% of women's membranes rupture before contractions start and the chances of a prolapsed cord are ridiculously slim, but it still scares me. Are there measures the take to prevent this or to ensure the cord isn't prolapsed? If I go into the hospital with ruptured membranes, I immediately go on continuous monitoring and an IV so that's obviously not ideal.

Haley.Beth · July 2013

I don't think there's anything you can do to prevent a prolapsed cord. It's just one of those incredibly rare things that, if it's going to happen, it'll happen. Try not to concentrate on or even consider the hundreds of little things that can go wrong, you'll just stress yourself out for no reason! If your water does break, remember that baby will continue to move in between contractions all through labor. The same rule of an active baby = a healthy baby still apply. If the baby is in distress from something wrong, he/she will stop moving, just like any other time.

As for the monitoring and IV, you can always refuse. They can't make you do anything. It's your body, your choice.

provwife · July 2013

Prolapased cord normally happens when your waters are broke by a doctor because the baby isn't fully settled into your pelvis leaving room for the cord to slip in under her head. The chances of your waters breaking naturally and having a prolapsed cord is slim to none because the baby's head is occupying that area leaving no room for the cord to go under her head.

robyn2201 · July 2013

Just curious, did the hospital tell you that you had to have CFM or your Dr?

I only ask because with DD1, my OB lied and said it was hospital policy that I HAD to have CFM, regardless of if my water broke or not. My water did break and the hospital was totally fine with IFM. They never said CFM was policy and didn't give me any grief about doing IFM.

Same thing happened with a friend at a different hospital. Unfortunately she believed her OB and didn't question it, when she got to the hospital. We discussed her DD's birth and she felt very frustrated with how everything turned out. She was really surprised when I told her that I planned on having DD2 at the same hospital. I obviously went with a different OB. I told my new OB of my friends experience and I was assured that CFM was not a hospital policy.

And just remember like the PP said, even if it is hospital policy, as a patient you have the right to refuse.

aylafsu88 · July 2013

provwife:
Prolapased cord normally happens when your waters are broke by a doctor because the baby isn't fully settled into your pelvis leaving room for the cord to slip in under her head. The chances of your waters breaking naturally and having a prolapsed cord is slim to none because the baby's head is occupying that area leaving no room for the cord to go under her head.

This is what I gave heard as well. A prolapsed chord is rare and usually occurs because of interventions.

oliversmommy32912 · July 2013

provwife:
Prolapased cord normally happens when your waters are broke by a doctor because the baby isn't fully settled into your pelvis leaving room for the cord to slip in under her head. The chances of your waters breaking naturally and having a prolapsed cord is slim to none because the baby's head is occupying that area leaving no room for the cord to go under her head.

This is what I have also heard. I had a cervical check at 36 weeks and my midwife said the baby's head was already low enough so we didn't have to worry about prolapsed cord.

Native+Girl · July 2013

Thanks for all the responses. It's weird because I know there are tons of things that can go wrong, but for whatever reason, this is the only thing that really concerns me. I guess because I can't really know one way or the other without getting checked after my water breaks, but the moving baby thing makes sense too. I also have a home Doppler so maybe that's something that would helps ease my fears.

I did read that an OB/midwife can tell before your water breaks if the baby's head is already engaged, thereby not allowing for a prolapsed cord, like PP mentioned. I may agree to a check later on to see if my OB can give me some reassurance there.

I was told about the CFM and IV when I called to check on my hospital policies so it was an L&D nurse. I actually just switched OBs and hospitals and I haven't even met my new OB yet. Her nurse also said the same thing about the EFM and IV but it's something I plan to talk to her about when we meet on Monday.

Thanks again for the feedback!

JuneBug86 · July 2013

If it helps, when I was pregnant with my first this was a HUGE concern of mine as well. I don't know why.

JaysonandKristin · July 2013

JuneBug86:
If it helps, when I was pregnant with my first this was a HUGE concern of mine as well. I don't know why.

I had polyhydramnios with both of my pregnancies and for some reason this one just really terrified me as well. I'm sorry that it's gotten to you as well.

Try to remember the information above about baby's head settling in and there being no room for the cord in typical circumstances.

shiway · July 2013

You have the right to refuse an medical treatment. If you are having an uneducated birth there is no reason other than convenience to har an IV. and as you should know cfm actually increased the chances of csections and is tr most annoying thing ever! The monitors constantly loose the baby an have to readjusted an if your position is ideal for the monitors the nurses guilt you or pressure you into positions you might be most comfortable in.

Want a personalized experience?

Prolapsed cord?

Re: Prolapsed cord?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards