The clearest sign of a cord prolapse is the emergence of the cord prior to the baby. However, this does not always happen, as the cord can also come down the canal alongside the baby. Signs of fetal distress, such as heart rate deceleration, also clue medical professionals into the possibility of cord prolapse.
Sometimes, it is possible for a physician to move the baby away from the cord, possibly with the help of forceps or a vacuum extractor (which can also be dangerous for the baby). However, this often fails, and then an emergency C-section delivery is necessary. While preparing the mother for surgery, medical professionals will often opt to push the presenting part of the baby back into the pelvis.