Umbilical cord prolapse: A clinical study of 60 cases seen at Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospital, Ile-Ife

The incidence of umbilical cord prolapse at Obafemi Awolowo University teaching hospital complex, Ile-Ife over a ten year period was 0.42% tone in 240 deliveries). The incidence was observed to be higher among the unbooked patients (76.7%), Analysis of the 60 eases reveals that multiparity, unengaged presenting part from cephalo-peivic disproportion, prematurity, prelabour spontaneous rupture of membranes, breech presentation, and multiple pregnancy were the major contributory factors. The perinatal mortality (36.7%) was significantly higher than that of the hospital which was 8% (P<0.05). The perinatal mortality rate was higher among the unhooked patients (86.4%). Caesarean section gave better results except when the cenix was fully dilated. Early resort to Caesarean section, groper and adequate antenatal care and properly supervised hospital delivery is recommended.