How should a healthcare provider respond to a prolapse of the umbilical cord?

In the case of a prolapsed umbilical cord, the correct response is to provide manual pressure to the presenting part of the fetus. This involves gently placing a finger in the vagina to hold the presenting part away from the cord, which helps to reduce compression and maintain blood flow to the fetus. This action is critical because when the umbilical cord prolapses, it can become compressed between the presenting part of the fetus and the birth canal, potentially leading to fetal distress due to decreased oxygen delivery.

The approach of administering oxygen is often part of ongoing management for fetal distress but does not directly address the mechanical issue of the cord prolapse. Placing the mother in a supine position is generally not beneficial in this scenario as it can further compress the cord due to the pressure of the presenting part; instead, the mother may be repositioned in a manner that minimizes pressure, such as in a knee-chest position or with a tilt to one side. Immediate surgical intervention, like an emergency cesarean section, is not always the first step unless there are clear signs of fetal distress that cannot be managed, making manual pressure the immediate priority to stabilize the situation.