Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Author Spotlight: Developing a Rat Model for Weight-Bearing Intervention to Investigate Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Published on: September 27, 2024
Obstetric risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse: a nationwide population-based study in Japan
Junichi Hasegawa1, Tomoaki Ikeda2, Akihiko Sekizawa3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. hasejun@oak.dti.ne.jp.
Objectives:
To demonstrate the clinical course and the obstetric risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse.
Methods:
The clinical course of reported cases of umbilical cord prolapse that occurred in Japan between 2007 and 2011 was retrospectively analyzed. The obstetric risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse were investigated by a nationwide population-based case-cohort study.
Results:
Three hundred and sixty-nine cases (0.018 %) of fore-lying/prolapsed umbilical cord in 2,037,460 deliveries were analyzed. Most cases of fore-lying umbilical cord were diagnosed by an ultrasound scan (78 %), whereas umbilical cord prolapse was most frequently diagnosed by an internal examination (63 %). Umbilical cord prolapse was found to be significantly associated with the following factors: multiple pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) 3.57; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.60, 4.90], non-vertex presentation (OR 4.67; 95 %CI 3.73, 5.86), preterm labor (OR 2.28; 95 %CI 1.83, 2.83), premature rupture of membranes (OR 3.84; 95 %CI 3.10, 4.77), prolapsed amniotic bag (OR 12.31; 95 %CI 9.00, 16.85), polyhydramnios (OR 2.89; 95 %CI 1.49, 5.61), and a birth weight of <2500 g (OR 2.26; 95 %CI 1.84, 2.79).
Conclusion:
The current study is the largest in Japan to demonstrate the obstetric clinical course and risk factors associated with umbilical cord prolapse. Prolapsed amniotic bag, labor and rupture of membrane during premature period, and fetal abnormal presentation induced by multiple pregnancy, and polyhydramnios were high risk situation for umbilical cord prolapse.
