Artificial uterus a study showing they had grown premature lamb fetuses for four weeks in an extra-uterine life support system. An artificial uterus, sometimes referred to as an 'exowomb', would have to provide nutrients and oxygen to nurture a fetus, as well as dispose of waste material. The scope of an artificial uterus (or "artificial uterus system" to emphasize a broader scope) may also include the interface serving the function otherwise provided by the placenta, an amniotic tank functioning as the amniotic sac, as well as an umbilical cord. A woman may still supply nutrients and dispose of waste products if the
Umbilical cord prolapse The two major categories of risk factors are spontaneous and iatrogenic, or those that result from medical intervention. Umbilical cord prolapse should always be considered a possibility when there is a sudden decrease in fetal heart rate or variable decelerations, particularly after the rupture of membranes. With overt prolapses, the diagnosis can be confirmed if the cord can be palpated on vaginal examination. Without overt prolapse, the diagnosis can only be confirmed after a cesarean section, though even then it will not always be evident at time of procedure. There are three types of umbilical prolapse that can occur: The