Cord or Limb Visible
| CARD 26 · RED | |
|---|---|
| Category | Bleeding |
| 108 | 📞 CALL 108 |
| Pathway | 108 → District Hospital (Emergency OT) |
What is this?
If the umbilical cord — the tube that carries blood and oxygen from the placenta to the baby — slips out of the birth canal before the baby's head, this is called cord prolapse. If an arm or leg of the baby appears at the birth canal opening before the head, this is also an emergency. In both cases, the cord or the baby's position is blocking or cutting off the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby.
Every minute without oxygen can cause permanent brain damage in the baby. This is the most urgent obstetric emergency in the MAMA ALERT deck. The only life-saving treatment is an emergency Caesarean section at a hospital with a functioning operating theatre. Nothing that can be done at home will fix this — only a hospital can.
- Call 108 immediately — right now, this second
- Place the woman in knee-chest position — on hands and knees, bottom raised
- Do NOT pull, press, or touch the cord or the visible limb
- Do NOT allow the woman to push or strain
- Go directly to the District Hospital — do not stop at a PHC or CHC
Pathway: 📞 108→District Hospital (Emergency OT)
This is an emergency from the very moment the cord or limb is visible. Do not wait even five minutes. The knee-chest position (on hands and knees with bottom raised) reduces pressure on the cord and buys a few minutes of oxygen for the baby — but only a hospital can save the baby. Call 108 immediately and go directly to the District Hospital.
Khasi audio guide
Related cards
- Vaginal Bleeding — cord prolapse may occur alongside bleeding
- Mother Has Collapsed — severe distress can follow
- Fits or Body Shaking — another highest-level emergency