If you notice a prolapsed umbilical cord during delivery, what action should you take?

When a prolapsed umbilical cord is observed during delivery, the priority is to relieve the pressure on the cord to prevent fetal hypoxia, which can result from cord compression. Lifting the baby off the cord helps to alleviate this pressure and restore blood flow and oxygen to the fetus. By repositioning the infant slightly or holding the presenting part off the cord, you can significantly improve the chances of a safe delivery.

Simply leaving the baby in position would allow the cord to remain compressed, risking fetal distress. Applying pressure to the cord could further compromise circulation, and waiting for the cord to naturally reposition would not be proactive and could lead to adverse outcomes for the fetus. Thus, lifting the baby off the cord is the correct and most effective action in this situation.