After three hours in the delivery room, Ms. Hue’s cervix was only 3 cm dilated. Doctor Nguyen Hoang Tung, a Specialist Level two from Tam Anh General Hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, decided to perform an amniotomy—actively rupturing the amniotic sac to increase uterine contractions. He also administered medication to stimulate more regular and stronger uterine contractions, aiming to shorten labor time.

During the amniotomy, doctors discovered the umbilical cord had prolapsed outside the mother’s vagina. The fetal heart rate was weak, prompting an internal "red alert" for an emergency cesarean section. While awaiting surgery, doctors continuously pushed the fetus’s buttocks upwards to prevent the umbilical cord from being compressed against the pelvis, thereby reducing the risk of fetal heart loss.

A baby girl was born, weighing 3,4 kg, with both mother and child in stable condition. The entire process of detection, transfer, and cesarean delivery took just over 5 minutes. According to Doctor Tung, if umbilical cord prolapse occurs at home, even with early detection, the chances of saving the fetus are low.

Both mother and child are in good health and were discharged after 4 days. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord slips down in front of the fetal presenting part (head, buttocks, or shoulder) after the amniotic sac ruptures. This compresses the umbilical cord between the fetus and the uterine wall, reducing or completely cutting off blood and oxygen flow to the fetus. This can lead to acute fetal distress and death within minutes if not managed promptly. Umbilical cord prolapse is common in mothers who have had multiple births, abnormal fetal presentation, or polyhydramnios.

After birth, doctors recommend that mothers maintain a diverse, nutrient-rich diet, supplementing with a minimum of 500 g of protein daily from sources such as: meat, fish, eggs, and milk. Mothers should avoid excessive dietary restrictions to ensure their body recovers quickly and to provide quality milk for their baby.

Hang Tran