Abstract
Background
Sudden severe fetal compromise during labor is usually associated with fetal bradycardia often due to sudden emergencies such as abruptio placentae, cord prolapse, disruption of the umbilical cord, shoulder dystocia, tetanic contractions or uterine rupture.
Case presentation
We report on a case of sudden severe fetal compromise due to umbilical cord prolapse in a patient with a planned home birth. Cord prolapse and thick meconium stained fluid were diagnosed at a planned home birth at the time of spontaneous rupture of fetal membranes with the cervix 3 cm dilated. An ambulance was called, and the patient was transferred by ambulance to the nearby hospital where the baby was delivered about 60 min after the diagnosis of the cord prolapse. Neonatal resuscitation was unsuccessful, and the newborn was declared dead.
Conclusion
Our case shows that sudden severe fetal compromise during labor and delivery can happen to even low-risk patients. When it happens at home, delay of delivery can lead to neonatal injury or death. Women who express an interest in a planned home birth must be informed of potential risks of sudden severe fetal compromise leading to neonatal injury or death when it occurs in a planned home birth and when transport to the hospital unavoidably delays timely medical interventions and delivery of the newborn.
Enhanced Postsynaptic GABA B Receptor Signaling in Adult Spinal Projection Neurons after Neonatal Injury
