Water, Cord and Infection

Emergency response for cord complications

Emergency response for cord complications

Why cord complications become emergencies The umbilical cord contains two arteries and one vein surrounded by Wharton’s jelly, a protective substance that helps resist compression. Even with this protection, the cord can become vulnerable when it lies between the fetus and the cervix, is compressed during contractions, or is exposed outside the vagina after the […]

What to do if cord prolapse happens

What to do if cord prolapse happens

Recognize the emergency without delaying care Umbilical cord prolapse usually becomes relevant after the membranes have ruptured, either spontaneously or after amniotomy. The cord may descend through a partially or fully dilated cervix and may be felt in the vagina or even seen outside the vulva. Sometimes it is not visible; the first sign may […]

Signs of cord prolapse during labor

Signs of cord prolapse during labor

What cord prolapse means in labor Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord descends through the cervix alongside or ahead of the presenting part of the fetus, usually the head but sometimes the buttocks, feet, or shoulder. In a typical cephalic labor, the baby’s head fills the pelvis and helps keep the umbilical cord […]

Risk of infection after water breaks

Risk of infection after water breaks

What changes when the amniotic sac opens The amniotic sac is a fluid-filled membrane system surrounding the fetus. While it is intact, it acts as a mechanical barrier between the vaginal microbiome and the uterine cavity. When the membranes rupture, amniotic fluid may come as a gush or a slow trickle, and the cervix may […]

When water breaking becomes emergency

When water breaking becomes emergency

What water breaking means medically Water breaking is the common term for rupture of membranes. The amniotic sac, a fluid-filled membrane surrounding the fetus, opens and amniotic fluid begins to leak through the cervix and vagina. It may happen before contractions start, during early labor, or later in labor. Some people notice a sudden warm […]

Water breaking complications explained

Water breaking complications explained

What clinicians mean by water breaking Water breaking means rupture of membranes: the amniotic sac has opened and amniotic fluid is leaking. In active labor, this may happen spontaneously and can be followed by stronger contractions. However, when fluid leakage occurs before labor starts, the term is prelabor rupture of membranes. When it occurs before […]