What is a common complication of umbilical cord prolapse?

The most common complication associated with umbilical cord prolapse is fetal hypoxia due to cord compression. When the umbilical cord slips ahead of the presenting part of the fetus during labor, it can become compressed. This compression restricts blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus, leading to a potential state of hypoxia. Fetal hypoxia can result in distress, as seen on fetal heart rate monitoring, which may show signs of variable decelerations or bradycardia.

The risk of fetal hypoxia is particularly critical during contractions, as the increased pressure from the uterus can exacerbate cord compression, further threatening the well-being of the fetus. Immediate medical intervention is often necessary to relieve compression and restore oxygen supply to the fetus, which may include changing maternal position, increasing intravenous fluids, or in some cases, urgent delivery via cesarean section.

In contrast, while increased maternal heart rate could occur due to stress or pain, it is not a direct complication of cord prolapse. Prolonged labor can be related to various factors but is not specifically a complication of umbilical cord prolapse. Meconium aspiration syndrome is a concern in situations where meconium is present in the amniotic fluid but is not specifically