Final answer:
The risk of umbilical cord prolapse increases with the baby in a breech position, among other factors such as a long umbilical cord or excess amniotic fluid. Low amniotic fluid and a history of previous prolapse do not necessarily increase the risk but are monitored by healthcare providers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The risk of umbilical cord prolapse increases if the baby is in a breech position. In childbirth, several factors can influence the likelihood of complications, such as umbilical cord prolapse, where the umbilical cord slips through the cervical opening before the baby descends into the birth canal. A breech position, where the baby's feet or buttocks are positioned to be delivered first, can lead to this condition because the baby's head is not in place to prevent the cord from slipping past.
Apart from a breech position, risk factors for umbilical cord prolapse also include having a long umbilical cord or excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), as they provide more space for the cord to move around. However, a low level of amniotic fluid, also known as oligohydramnios, is not necessarily a direct risk factor for umbilical cord prolapse, but it can be associated with a range of other complications in pregnancy. A history of previous umbilical cord prolapse does not inherently increase the risk in future pregnancies, but it is something healthcare providers are made aware of when monitoring labor and delivery.