19.8 Prolapse and presentation of the cord

If a mother’s cervix is not well applied to the presenting part, her baby’s cord can prolapse when her membranes rupture, especially if his head is high, or she has a transverse lie, a breech, a face presentation, or twins. The cord is said to be presenting when it lies below the presenting part, inside her intact membranes. Both prolapse and presentation can obstruct the circulation in it, and so endanger his life. Other presenting parts press less firmly on his cord than does his head, but don’t let this delay you.