Final answer:
A sign of a prolapsed umbilical cord can include abnormal fetal heart rhythms detectable by a healthcare professional, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
A sign that the cord could be prolapsed includes noticeable changes in fetal heart rate, such as sudden drops or a sustained low rate. This condition is an obstetric emergency where the umbilical cord drops (or prolapses) through the open cervix into the vagina ahead of the baby. The cord can then become compressed by the baby during labor, which can obstruct blood flow to the fetus. This can be detected by a healthcare professional and requires immediate medical attention.
Umbilical cord prolapse is distinct from other conditions, such as a prolapsed valve in the heart, where a valve cusp is forced backward by blood flow, causing regurgitation and potentially a heart murmur, which is heard via a stethoscope. Similarly, prolapse should not be confused with the normal process of umbilical cord occlusion post-birth, where the umbilical vessels collapse naturally or due to clamping.