A nurse midwife at a Primary Health Centre (PHC) detects cord prolapse after rupture of membranes in a labouring woman. What is the most appropriate immediate intervention?

Correct option is B

Explanation
1. Cord prolapse is an obstetric emergency because compression of the umbilical cord can rapidly compromise fetal oxygenation.
2. The immediate priority is to relieve pressure on the prolapsed cord and expedite delivery.
3. At a PHC, the woman should be placed in an exaggerated Sim's (or knee-chest/Trendelenburg) position and urgently transferred to a higher centre for definitive management.
Information Booster
1. Cord prolapse commonly occurs after rupture of membranes.
2. Fetal bradycardia is a common sign of cord compression.
3. Prompt intervention reduces fetal morbidity and mortality.
Additional Knowledge
1. (a) Pulling the cord may cause vasospasm and fetal compromise.
2. (c) Filling, not emptying, the bladder may sometimes be used to reduce cord compression during transfer.
3. (d) The cord should not be forcibly replaced into the vagina as it may worsen complications.