Epidemiology

Incidence of umbilical cord prolapse range from 1.4 to 6.2 per 1000.The majority of cases of umbilical cord prolapse occur in single gestation pregnancies; in twin gestations, the incidence increases in the second twin. Most prolapses occur shortly after rupture of membranes; one study estimates that 57% occur within five minutes of membrane rupture while 67% occur within one hour of rupture