What are the immediate effects of a prolapsed umbilical cord?

A prolapsed umbilical cord occurs when the umbilical cord slips ahead of or slips down alongside the presenting part of the fetus during labor. This condition is critical because it can lead to compression of the umbilical cord, impeding blood flow and oxygen transfer to the fetus. When the cord is compressed, the blood supply to the newborn is at risk, which can lead to serious complications, including fetal distress or even potential neurological damage.

The reduction in blood flow means that the fetus is deprived of the necessary oxygen it needs for survival, which can result in a decrease in heart rate and other signs of fetal distress. Prompt recognition and management of a prolapsed cord are crucial to prevent these adverse outcomes. This is why the choice indicating that it "cuts off the newborn's blood supply" is the correct one in the context of immediate effects of a prolapsed umbilical cord. The other choices describe outcomes unrelated to the real and immediate dangers posed by a prolapsed umbilical cord.